Milieukeur

Issuing Organization:
SMK (Stichting Milieukeur)

Label purpose:
Milieukeur, the Dutch environmental quality label, signifies products and services that have a lower environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. It encompasses a broad range of sustainability criteria including energy efficiency, waste management, biodiversity, and the use of chemicals. The aim is to guide both consumers and producers towards more sustainable practices and products.

Certification Criteria:
Criteria vary by product category but generally include the sustainable use of resources, reduction of environmental pollutants, conservation of biodiversity, and energy efficiency. Products and services must meet or exceed these comprehensive standards to achieve certification.
Geographical Coverage:
Criteria vary by product category but generally include the sustainable use of resources, reduction of environmental pollutants, conservation of biodiversity, and energy efficiency. Products and services must meet or exceed these comprehensive standards to achieve certification.
Target Industries/Segments:
Milieukeur covers various sectors, including agriculture, horticulture, food products, non-food products, and services. It addresses a wide audience by certifying a range of products from plant products to paints and coatings, and services like green electricity and cleaning.
Certification Process:
The process involves an application review, detailed assessment of the product or service against Milieukeur standards, and audits by independent, accredited certifiers. Compliance with the criteria is thoroughly verified through documentation, testing, and on-site inspections.
Certificate Validity:
The certification is valid for a specified period, after which re-assessment is necessary to ensure ongoing compliance with the current standards. This process encourages continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving environmental requirements.
Benefits for Consumers/Producers:
For consumers, Milieukeur provides a reliable indicator of environmentally responsible products, helping them make informed purchasing decisions. For producers, obtaining the label can improve market visibility, enhance brand image, and potentially increase sales by appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
Sustainability Impact:
Milieukeur promotes environmental sustainability by encouraging practices that reduce environmental impact and enhance biodiversity. It supports the shift towards a more sustainable economy by setting high standards for environmental performance across various industries.