If you spot a Nordic Swan Ecolabel on a product, it’s your green light that the item is eco-friendly. This beautifully designed logo, which shares some artistic flair with the Nordic Council but in green, signals sustainability at its finest. 

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In a world where consumers are increasingly clamouring for sustainable products, ecolabels like the Nordic Swan can help products and services stand out in the crowd. Beyond that, these labels also lead to sustainable development and production – something we’re in desperate need of as carbon emissions keep soaring. 

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In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. We’ll also explore the Nordic Ecolabel for new buildings and how it compares with other green certifications for the building sector. 

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What is the Nordic Swan Ecolabel?

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel, often just called the Nordic Ecolabel, is a badge of honour for products and services in Nordic countries. Think of it as the eco-friendly equivalent of a knight’s sword – just not as pointy. It certifies that a product or service meets strict environmental standards for production and consumption. 

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Introduced by the Nordic Council of Ministers in 1989, this label has been embraced by all Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). It’s a voluntary label and mainly applies to consumer products. 

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What makes the Nordic Ecolabel different?

The Nordic Ecolabel is one of the most respected and stringent environmental labels out there. With strict criteria and ambitious goals, it’s not for the faint-hearted. 

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While many ecolabels zero in on sustainable production, the Nordic ecolabel takes a more comprehensive approach. It focuses on the entire lifecycle of a product or service - from raw materials and production to consumption, recycling, and disposal. 

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The Nordic Swan Ecolabel aims to make products and services resource-efficient and reduce their environmental impact. The guidelines also promote a circular economy and the preservation of biodiversity. 

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Because of this, Nordic Swan Ecolabel products are a hot commodity among eco-conscious consumers. Many of these products even find their way into markets outside Nordic countries, where this label is well-recognised and highly respected. 

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Criteria for the Nordic Ecolabel

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel has guidelines for different product and service categories, which are regularly updated. Each criterion has a ‘generation’, kind of like how fashion trends come and go. But instead of skinny jeans, these updates bring fresh, eco-friendly requirements.  

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Once developed, the criteria are presented to the public for feedback and are only implemented after the approval of the Nordic Ecolabel Board. Typically, criteria for a product category expire after four years, meaning they’ll be revised at that point.

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As of 2024, there are 58 unique categories of products and services, each with its own set of certification requirements. Some of the product categories/criteria are:

• Baby products with textiles
• Chemical building products
• Cleaning services
• Cosmetic products
• Disposables for food
• Hand dishwashing detergents
• Manufacturing of textiles, hides/skins, and leather
• Rechargeable batteries and portable chargers
• Tissue papers
• Windows and exterior doors

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The application process for the Nordic Swan Ecolabel

Applying for a Nordic Swan Ecolabel starts online. First, check if there is a criterion for your product or service. Then, read the requirements and any specific instructions for the application process. 

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Submit your application through the Nordic Ecolabelling portal, where you’ll choose which national Nordic Ecolabel organisation will review and evaluate your application. Each Nordic country has its Ecolabel organisation, and it’s generally best to choose the country where your production is based or where most of your sales are. 

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Once the application is in, you’ll be assigned an evaluator to work with you on the approval or denial of your application. The application fee is 3,114 Euros (excluding VAT), but the fees can be higher depending on the circumstances. For example, if your product is produced outside of the Nordic region, expect a heftier processing fee. 

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Nordic Ecolabel in the real estate sector

The Nordic Ecolabel has made its way into the real estate sector with a few specific criteria. While it remains the most popular ecolabel for consumer products, it can also be applied to properties. There are three criteria relevant to the real estate sector:

• Hotels and other accommodations
• New buildings
• Renovations

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Here’s what each of them covers:

Hotels and other accommodations

This is a fresh take, evolving from older criteria that also included restaurants. Now, these criteria focus specifically on hotels and other accommodations in the hospitality sector, whether they have a restaurant or not. 

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A Nordic Ecolabel for hotels certifies that the entity is actively reducing its resource consumption and optimising its operations. Requirements include limiting energy and water use, reducing waste (including food waste), and cutting down on disposable items. 

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New buildings

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel for new buildings is a green certification for new constructions, similar to those provided by DGNB or LEED. It can be applied to offices, schools, clinics, hotels, elderly homes, and residential properties (like small houses, townhouses, apartments, and student housing). 

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These criteria target the embodied emissions of new buildings and shape their operations to minimise their carbon footprint. For example, low energy consumption is a key requirement, demanding a minimum of 10% improvement over Near Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) standards. Buildings must also effectively control moisture, optimise daylighting, and minimise exposure to harmful substances. The environmental and health properties of all chemicals used in construction materials and products are also strictly evaluated.

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Renovations

The Nordic Ecolabel criteria for renovations provide guidelines for renovating buildings and making them more eco-friendly. They align with the criteria presented in the European Union Taxonomy Annex 1 for the renovation of existing buildings. These criteria address hazardous material use, energy consumption, moisture control, and demolition waste disposal. 

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Who can apply for a Nordic Swan Ecolabel?

Any company producing or offering products or services within the Nordic region, including manufacturers, importers, and service providers, can apply for a Nordic Swan Ecolabel. 

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To be eligible, your product or service must meet the specific environmental criteria set by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. The criteria don’t mention residency requirements, so your company or production doesn’t have to be based in one of the Nordic countries. However, it's crucial to note that the primary focus is on companies with production or significant sales within the Nordic region.

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Site surveys are also part of the evaluation, and if your production facility is in another country, the process may become more complex and expensive. You’ll mostly find the Nordic Swan Ecolabel on products originating from one of the Nordic countries. 

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Benefits of a Nordic Ecolabel on your product or service

Getting a Nordic Swan ecolabel is no small feat - and it’s not cheap either. But here’s why it’s worth it: 

• Better brand reputation: A Nordic Ecolabel is a powerful symbol of environmental responsibility. It tells consumers, investors, and stakeholders that your organisation is serious about sustainability and ethical practices
• Increased market share and sales: Consumers are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact and are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products and services. According to a PwC survey, even with the rising cost of living, Europeans are willing to pay up to a 9.7% premium for sustainably produced products. A Nordic Ecolabel can give you a competitive edge by attracting eco-conscious consumers
• Improved environmental performance: Obtaining a Nordic Ecolabel involves a rigorous assessment of your product or service's environmental impact. This can significantly improve resource efficiency, waste reduction, and emissions. By adopting sustainable practices, you can reduce costs, minimise risks, and contribute to a healthier planet
• Financial Benefits: While the initial investment in obtaining an ecolabel may be steep, the long-term benefits can be substantial. Cost savings from improved resource efficiency, increased sales, and reduced risks can contribute to a positive financial performance

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Embrace the power of green certifications

Ecolabels and green certifications are increasingly important for businesses and consumers. They’re a way for businesses to cut their emissions and showcase their commitment to the environment. These labels make it easier for consumers to choose sustainable products and services. 

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The Nordic Ecolabel is among the world's leading ecolabels, with strict requirements and high standards. It’s a stamp of approval that’s great for the environment – and your business. 

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FAQs

What is an ecolabel?

An ecolabel is a voluntary certification mark that identifies products or services that meet specific environmental criteria. Products and services are evaluated against a set of criteria, before being awarded an ecolabel.

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What countries have Nordic Swan Ecolabel?

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is available in all Nordic countries: Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.

How much does Nordic Ecolabel cost?

The cost of a Nordic Ecolabel can vary but typically starts at 3,114 Euros plus tax. This fee can cover labelling various products produced in the same facility. 

In addition to the application fee, companies offering Nordic Swan Ecolabel products or services must pay an annual certification fee based on their annual revenue from the product or service. As of 2024, the minimum annual licensing fee is 2,076 Euros plus tax.

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