Criteria groups in the eco-labelling process system - comparative analysis focused on the Hungarian system

Abstract

In this paper the product groups and criteria systems in eco-labelling process are brought into focus, as these are one of the main elements of the whole process. The article concentrates at the main stakeholders of the eco-labelling process and the advantages of eco-labelling focusing on the relationship and role of product groups and criteria systems. Therefore the paper presents that the first step of the eco-labelling process is to define product groups and work out criteria systems for the product or service (hereon referred to as: the product). It is important to choose product groups that play a major role on the market and that they have a possibility of minimizing their impacts on the environment (based on life cycle approach) during the entire life cycle. The second part of the article presents the conclusions of a comparative analysis of criteria systems of the Hungarian, EU, Nordic and German eco-labelling systems, focussing on the Hungarian system. The research was carried out with the aim to get information that can increase the efficiency of the Hungarian system in the future.