EUROPEAN COMMISSION

DIRECTORATE-GENERAL
ENVIRONMENT
Circular Economy & Green Growth
Sustainable Production, Products & Consumption

Strategic EU Ecolabel
Work Plan 2020 - 2024

December 2020

Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key words and abbreviations ............................................................................................................................. 2

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

1. THE EU ECOLAB EL GOAL, OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIC ACTIONS ..................................... 3

2. THE CURRENT EU ECOLAB EL PORTFOLIO ....................................................................................... 4

3. FUTURE EU ECOLAB EL PRODUCT GROUPS ...................................................................................... 4

ANNEX I – STRATEGIC ACTIONS FOR THE EU ECOLABEL....................................................................... 6

ANNEX II – CURRENT EU ECOLABEL PORTFOLIO .................................................................................... 11

ANNEX III – FUTURE PRODUCT GROUPS STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE

COMMISSION SERVICES...................................................................................................................................... 16

Key words and abbreviations

AHWG Ad Hoc Working Group

CE Circular Economy
EC European Commission
EMAS Eco-Management and Audit Scheme
EU Ecolabel Regulation Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council
of 25 November 2009 on the EU Ecolabel
EUEB European Union Ecolabelling Board
ESG Environment, Social, Governance
GEN Global Ecolabelling Network
LH Licence Holder
GPP Green Public Procurement
MS Member State
PEF Product Environmental Footprint
REG COM Regulatory Committee
SCP Sustainable Consumption and Production
UN United Nations

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 EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL
ENVIRONMENT
Circular Economy & Green Growth
Sustainable Production, Products & Consumption

INTRODUCTION

The Strategic EU Ecolabel Work Plan 2020-2024 is the operational tool for the planning and
the management of activities related to the EU Ecolabel scheme foreseen by Art. 7.4 of the
EU Ecolabel Regulation. It is aimed for the European Commission (EC) services, national
Competent Bodies (CBs) and stakeholders involved in the implementation of the scheme.
The Plan is a non-binding rolling document that may be updated by the EC services in the
course of its implementation.

1. THE EU ECOLABEL GOAL, OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIC ACTIONS

The EU Ecolabel, established in 1992, is a voluntary label of environmental excellence. It is

promoting goods and services with reduced environmental impacts all over their life-cycle,
when compared with products in the same product group existing on the European market. In
doing so, the scheme contributes to making consumption and production more sustainable.
The new Circular Economy Action Plan1 recognizes the valuable role of EU Ecolabel criteria
to inspire mandatory legislation and prescribes the systematic inclusion of circular economy
aspects in the EU Ecolabel criteria. By encouraging producers, depending on the product
group, to efficiently use raw materials, generate less waste and CO 2 during the manufacturing
process, use less hazardous chemicals and develop products that are durable, easy to repair
and recyclable, the EU Ecolabel is a crucial tool of the circular economy. At the same time,
the EU Ecolabel is an enabler of sustainable lifestyles and green procurement because it
guides consumers, public and private buyers towards excellent products in terms of
environmental performances. The Action Plan on Sustainable Finance "Financing Sustainable
Growth"2 has moreover identified the possibility to extend the EU Ecolabel to retail financial
products as a suitable way to enable investors to directly channel their funds into
environmentally sustainable investments. As soon as EU Ecolabel criteria for financial
products will be adopted, they will contribute to the promotion of environmentally
sustainable investments.

The overarching goal of the EU Ecolabel is to empower market actors to consume,

produce and live more sustainably and to engage them in the transition towards a
circular economy.

This is particularly important after the COVID-19 crisis in order to ensure that the recovery is
sustainable and in line with the principles of the circular economy.

1
COM(2020) 98 of 11 March 2020: Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the
Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions “A new Circular
Economy Action Plan - For a cleaner and more competitive Europe
2
COM/2018/097 final: Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European
Council, the Council, the European Central Bank, the European Economic and Social Committee and the
Committee of the Regions “Action Plan: Financing Sustainable Growth”
Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111
To reach the above goal this work plan has identified three objectives:

1. Mainstream and further develop the EU Ecolabel as a relevant tool in policies and
initiatives promoting sustainable consumption and production, circular economy,
sustainable lifestyles, sustainable finance and climate action in synergy with other
tools.

2. Maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of the EU Ecolabel Regulation

implementation including the development and the maintenance of a successful
criteria portfolio.

3. Enhance the EU Ecolabel presence on the market, by boosting both industry

uptake and consumers awareness.

To fulfil the three objectives above, Annex I presents a list of non-exhaustive actions,
clustered per thematic areas, identified by the EC services and relevant stakeholders Joint
efforts by the EC and relevant stakeholders are necessary to fulfil these objectives. The
EUEB meetings and the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform will therefore
promote the exchange of best practices and lessons learnt.

2. THE CURRENT EU ECOLABEL PORTFOLIO

EU Ecolabel criteria are developed and revised through the multi-stakeholder process
described in Annex I of the EU Ecolabel Regulation. The decision on the need to
prolong/review/withdraw/establish EU Ecolabel criteria is taken by the EC after having
consulted the EUEB and having assessed the relevance of the product group, its criteria and
the related assessment and verification requirements.
ANNEX II – Current EU Ecolabel portfolio, presents the list of product groups in the current
EU Ecolabel portfolio, and the timeline for 2020-2024.
More information about the state of on-going development/revision processes, related Ad
Hoc Working Group meetings and documents is available on the Product Bureau page of
JRC.
The EC currently uses both the number of EU Ecolabel licenses and the number of labelled
products as key performance indicators. The EU Ecolabel statistics are available on the Fact
and Figures page of the EU Ecolabel website and are updated twice a year.
The list of EUEB, Competent Bodies Forum and Regulatory Committee meetings is available
on the Meetings corner page of the EU Ecolabel website.

3. FUTURE EU ECOLABEL PRODUCT GROUPS

The development of EU Ecolabel criteria is a very resource-intensive process. Given the need
to prioritize efforts, the current activities of the EU Ecolabel focus on the maximization of the
success of the current product portfolio. As in the past several product groups were
discontinued for very low uptake, a stronger strategy is needed for the selection of promising
EU Ecolabel products groups. The possibility to develop a new product group shall therefore
be considered only when both high potential environmental benefits, high potential uptake

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and increased visibility of the scheme are expected. Synergies and coherence with the other
circular economy policies and tools shall also be ensured.
The EU Ecolabel Regulation gives the possibility to the European Commission and other
stakeholders to propose the development of EU Ecolabel criteria for a certain product group.
The list of product groups for which the Commission Services received a request from
external stakeholder to develop EU Ecolabel criteria will soon be available on the EU
Ecolabel website (https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/criteria-development-and-
revision.html). The potential future product groups that are currently under consideration are
listed in ANNEX III – Future Product Groups still under consideration by the Commission
Services.

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 EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL
ENVIRONMENT
Circular Economy & Green Growth
Sustainable Production, Products & Consumption

ANNEX I – Strategic Actions for the EU Ecolabel

Objective Thematic area Actions Actors Starting date End date

Strategically mention the EU Ecolabel in the overarching EU EC Team Continuous Continuous

policies and create synergies with all related initiatives related to
SCP, CE, sustainable lifestyles, sustainable finance and climate
action.
1. Mainstream
and further Strategically mention the EU Ecolabel in the overarching CBs +MSs 2020 Continuous
EU Ecolabel as a key
develop the EU tool for the National policies and create synergies with all related initiatives
Ecolabel as a related to SCP, CE, sustainable lifestyles, sustainable financ e and
implementation of climate action.
relevant tool in policies
policies and
initiatives Strategically include the EU Ecolabel in Industry and Finance EUEB industry 2020 Continuous
promoting SCP, strategies. members
CE, sustainable
lifestyles, Strategically include the EU Ecolabel in other relevant policy EUEB NGOs 2020 Continuous
sustainable documents. members
finance and
climate action at Mainstream the promotion and the uptake of the EU Ecolabel in EC Team, EUEB Continuous Continuous
different scales, Funding opportunities funding opportunities at EU, National, Regional and local level members, MSs +
in synergy with for the EU Ecolabel regional/local
other tools. authorities

Ensure coherence between EU Ecolabel and GPP criteria. EC Team Continuous Continuous
Setting up strong
synergies with EU SCP Develop GPP "Manuals" for public authorities on how to use EC Team Q2 2020 Continuous
tools (GPP, PEF, EU Ecolabel criteria in procurement (first 3 PGs: Paper, Hard

Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111

Objective Thematic area Actions Actors Starting date End date
EMAS) and Coverings, Absorbent Hygiene Products).
Sustainable Finance
initiatives Collect and share on existing networks best practices on GPP EC Team + Q1 2020 Continuous
and Corporate GP promoting ecolabels. Explore the possibility EUEB members
of creating a network of companies buying EU Ecolabel products. + GPP Advisory
Group

Foster the procurement of EU Ecolabel goods/services in the EC Team + Q1 2021 Continuous

EC, the EU Institutions in all EUEB members’ EUEB members
institutions/organisations as well as through relevant actors and
associations at national/regional/ local/ level through, inter alia,
training and assistance to public authorities that would like to
procure ecolabelled goods

Explore the possibility to integrate PEF method in EU Ecolabe l EC Team + 2021 2024
criteria through the development of PEF studies to identify EUEB Members
hotspots, when needed, and through the « pilot project » on the
revision of EU Ecolabel criteria for textiles and footwear apparel
(and paints?).

Ensure coherence between EU Ecolabel criteria and EMAS EC team Continuous Continuous
Sectoral Reference Documents.

Promote the use of EU Ecolabel product/services in EMAS EC team + Q4 2020 Continuous

registered organisations (public/private). EUEB members

Explore the possibility to have the production/provision of EU EC team Q2 2020 2021

Ecolabel good/services mentioned in the EU Taxonomy.
Explore the possibility to link EU Ecolabel financial products EC team Q3/Q4 2020 Continuous
with the ‘suitability test’ for green and sustainable financial
products, which will have to take into account ESG preferences
of clients and select products (green/sustainable products) in line
with such preferences .

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 Objective Thematic area Actions Actors Starting date End date

Explore the possibility to link EU Ecolabel financial products and EC team Q3 2020 Continuous
the Regulation on Sustainability-related disclosure in the
financial services sector (2019/2088), which includes disclos ure
requirements for green and sustainable financial products.

Increase collaboration within GEN. EC Team 2021 Continuous

Explore synergies with UN initiatives. EC Team 2021 Continuous

EU Ecolabel in
global/international Cooperate with EU Delegations/Info Centers to promote third- EC Team 2021 Continuous
initiatives country applications for the EU Ecolabel.

Reinforce collaboration on EU Ecolabel in international EC Team + 2021 Continuous

cooperation. EUEB Members

Strategic choice of Optimisation of the decision process for the prioritisation of EC Team + 2021 Q4 2020
product groups product groups to include/maintain into the scheme. EUEB Members
2. Maximise the
effectiveness and Structured Identify possibilities of structured collaboration with other Type EC team + CBs 2021 Continuous
efficiency of the
collaboration with I ecolabels (e.g. align timing of criteria development, joint criteria from other Type
EU Ecolabel other Type I ecolabels development, joint communication, etc.). I ecolabels
Regulation
implementation, Optimisation of Adopt new rules, role and modus operandi for the EUEB/CB EC Team + all Q1 2020 Q4 2020
including the
efficiency and Forum in order to enhance members participation in the EUEB Members
development and
effectiveness of implementation/development of the scheme.
the maintenance EUEB/CB Forum
of a successful
criteria portfolio
Digitalisation of the Develop a strategy and implement steps towards the digitalization EC Team + CBs 2021 Continuous
awarding process and simplification of the awarding process.

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 Objective Thematic area Actions Actors Starting date End date

Monitoring of EU Update and disseminate statistics on EU Ecolabel EC Team + Continuous Continuous

Ecolabel uptake products/licences. EUEB members

Include periodically questions on EU Ecolabel awareness in EC Team Every 2 yrs Every 2 yrs
Eurobarometer surveys.

Investigate on the possibility to act on tax measures. EC team + 2021 Continuous

Member States

Relief/incentive Explore the possibility of including the EU Ecolabel in the EC team Q1 2020 Q4 2020
measures to foster EU Extended Producer Responsibility guidelines.
Ecolabel uptake
Exchange of best national practices at EU level, such as the EC Team + Q1 2020 Continuous
ECO-Vouchers, include them on the CE Stakeholders Platform EUEB
3. Enhance the and encourage replication at EU level.
EU Ecolabel
presence on the Organise webinars/events/training activities to explain EU EC team + CBs Continuous Continuous
market, by Capacity building + Ecolabel criteria to industry stakeholders, retailers and procurers,
boosting both technical assistance as well as information about the added value and business case to
industry uptake engage with the EU Ecolabel.
and consumers
awareness. Increase awareness Explore the possibility of including the EU Ecolabel in education EUEB members 2021 Continuous
through education curricula/extra-curricular activities.

Organize periodic meetings on communication with EUEB EC Team Q2 2020 Continuous

Increase awareness members.
through
communication Set-up a joint Communication Calendar to foster synergies EC Team + Q2 2020 Continuous
activities between communication activities. EUEB Members

Implement Communication activities aimed at promoting the EC Team + Q2 2020 Q4 2021

EU Ecolabel in the Recovery context EUEB Members

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Objective Thematic area Actions Actors Starting date End date

Develop and implement a multi-annual Communication EC Team + Q2 2020 Continuous

framework for the EU Ecolabel, including i.a. new collaboration EUEB Members
with key multipliers (retailers, Circular Economy Stakeholder
Platform, etc.) and including specific activity for the promotion of
EU Ecolabel criteria for financial products.

Finalize and keep up to date ECAT EC team 2019 and Q2 2020 and
Optimisation of EU
+CBs/LHs continuous continuous
Ecolabel Catalogue
(ECAT)
Cooperate with online platform/catalogues/booking sites EC team Q2 2020 Continuous

Start « migration » to new platform and more visibility to ECAT. EC Team 2021 2021
Revamping of EU
Ecolabel website Regularly update the website. Provide new EC Team + the Continuous Continuous
articles/videos/information to be displayed on the website. HD + CBs

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ANNEX II – Current EU Ecolabel portfolio
Rev (n) = normal revision procedure Rev (s) = shortened revision procedure

Current criteria Revision/Prolongation/Vote/Amendment

Product group Comments
Timeline
Decision n. Adoption Expiry date
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Rev (n) on-going Scope enlarged to
Rinse-off cosmetic
4-5 Jun: AHWG2 Spring: RegCom "Cosmetic Products
products 2014/893/EU 09-12-2014 31-12-2021 - - -
Nov EUEB: last vote and Animal Care
(030)
consultation products"
Absorbent hygiene Jun: RegCom
products 2014/763/EU 24-10-2014 31-12-2022 Rev (s?) starting Rev (s?) vote or - -
(047) prolongation.
Assess if criteria Rev?
Hard Surface
are still up-to Nov: RegCom
Cleaning Products 2017/1217/EU 23-06-2017 26-06-2023 - - -
date. vote or
(020)
Rev to start? prolongation.
Assess if criteria Rev?
Detergents for
are still up-to Nov: RegCom
dishwashers 2017/1216/EU 23-06-2017 26-06-2023 - - -
date. vote or
(015)
Rev to start? prolongation.
Assess if criteria Rev?
Hand dishwashing
are still up-to Nov: RegCom
detergents 2017/1214/EU 23-06-2017 26-06-2023 - - -
date. vote or
(019)
Rev to start? prolongation.
Assess if criteria Rev?
Laundry detergents are still up-to Nov: RegCom
2017/1218/EU 23-06-2017 26-06-2023 - - -
(006) date. vote or
Rev to start? prolongation.

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 Current criteria Revision/Prolongation/Vote/Amendment
Product group Comments
Timeline
Decision n. Adoption Expiry date
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Assess if criteria Rev?
I&I laundry
are still up-to Nov: RegCom
detergents 2017/1219/EU 23-06-2017 26-06-2023 - - -
date. vote or
(039)
Rev to start? prolongation.
Assess if criteria Rev?
I&I automatic
are still up-to Nov: RegCom
dishwasher detergents 2017/1215/EU 23-06-2017 26-06-2023 - - -
date. vote or
(038)
Rev to start? prolongation.
Revised criteria to
be merged with
footwear. The need
Jun: Reg Com to split criteria
vote on Rev (n) to start between apparel/non
Jun:
Textile products 31-12-2025 prolongation to (integrating PEF apparel to be
2014/350/EU 05-06-2014 Rev (n) Rev (n) RegCom
(016) (prolonged) 31 Dec 2025 method for assessed. Synergies
vote
together with apparel). and coherence to be
Footwear created with the
Sustainable Product
Initiative of the
CEAP.
Revised criteria to
Jun: Reg Com be merged with
vote on Textiles. Synergies
Rev (n) to start Jun:
Footwear 31-12-2025 prolongation to and coherence to be
2016/1349/EU 05-08-2016 (integrating PEF Rev (n) Rev (n) RegCom
(017) (prolonged) 31 Dec 2025 created with the
method). vote
together with Sustainable Product
Textiles Initiative of the
CEAP.

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 Current criteria Revision/Prolongation/Vote/Amendment
Product group Comments
Timeline
Decision n. Adoption Expiry date
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Decision to take
on the starting of
the rev (n) and
The current set of
the integration of
Assessment on criteria will be
Indoor and outdoor PEF method;
the need for an prolonged in order
paints & varnishes 2014/312/EU 28-05-2014 31-12-2022 Rev (n)? - -
amendment to allow for the
(044) Spring: vote on
related to TiO2 revision process to
Amendment
and TMP. be completed.
related to TiO2
and TMP +
prolongation
These criteria are
replacing the
Mid-term previous criteria for
assessment Televisions
Electronic Displays Jun: RegCom
(EU) 2020/1804 27-11-2020 31-12-2028 - - - on the need (2009/300/EC) valid
(022) vote
to revise the until 26/11/2021.
criteria Transitional period
ending on
27/11/2021.

Wood-, Cork- and Rev?

Assess if criteria
Bamboo-based Floor Jun: RegCom
2017/176/EU 25-01-2017 26-01-2023 - are still up-to date - - -
Coverings vote or
Rev to start?
(035) prolongation

Mid-term
assessment
Hard coverings 30-06-2021 Oct: Reg Com Adoption of
2009/607/EC 09-07-2009 - - on the need -
(021) (prolonged) vote revised criteria
to revise the
criteria
Furniture Decision to take Criteria to be
2016/1332/EU 28-07-2016 28-07-2022 - - - -
(049) on starting date of prolonged and in the

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 Current criteria Revision/Prolongation/Vote/Amendment
Product group Comments
Timeline
Decision n. Adoption Expiry date
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
the rev. future merged with
Spring/Nov: Bed Mattresses
RegCom vote on (revision linked to
prolongation. the revision of
“Textiles”)
Decision to take
on starting date of Criteria to be
the rev. Linked prolonged and in the
to the rev. of future merged with
Bed mattresses
2014/391/EU 23-06-2014 28-07-2022 - “Textiles”. - - - Furniture (revision
(014)
Nov: linked to the
Spring/RegCom revision of
vote on “Textiles”)
prolongation.
Growing media, soil
Feb: RegCom
improver and mulch 2015/2099/EU 18-11-2015 30-06-2022 Rev (s) started Rev (s)
vote
(048)
Jun:
Lubricants RegCom
(EU) 2018/1702 08-11-2018 31-12-2024 - - Rev to start? Rev?
(027) vote or
prolongation
Graphic paper, tissue Jun:
paper and tissue RegCom
(EU) 2019/70 11-01-2019 31-12-2024 - - Rev to start? Rev?
products vote or
(011-004) prolongation

Printed paper, These criteria are

Mid-term
stationery paper, and replacing the
assessment
paper carrier bag Jun: RegCom previous criteria for
(EU) 2020/1803 27-11-2020 31-12-2028 - - - on the need
products vote printed paper (028),
to revise the
(053) (2012/481/EU) and
criteria
converted paper

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 Current criteria Revision/Prolongation/Vote/Amendment
Product group Comments
Timeline
Decision n. Adoption Expiry date
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
products (046)
(2014/256/EU) valid
until 31/12/2020.
Transitional period
ending on
27/05/2022.
Criteria to be
Decision to take prolonged. The
Tourist on starting date of possibility to
accommodation and the rev. strenghten social
(EU) 2017/175 25-01-2017 26-01-2022 - Rev? Rev? -
campsite services Spring: RegCom critera and to
(051) vote on enlarge the scope
prolongation. should be assessed
in the revision.
Indoor cleaning Decision to take Nov: RegCom
Services (EU) 2018/680 02-05-2018 02-05-2023 - on starting date of vote or - -
(052) the rev. prolongation.
Development
ongoing
25-26 Mar:
Retail financial Spring: RegCom
- - - AHWG2 - - -
Products vote
Nov EUEB: last
consultation

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ANNEX III – Future Product Groups still under consideration by the Commission Services
Product Status
group
The “Preparatory study for solar photovoltaic modules, inverters and systems” (JRC) has been completed 3 and 2 possible options are
Solar being recommended: option 1 could be a policy approach comprehending Ecodesign, Energy Labelling and GPP, and option 2 (should
photovoltaic the Energy Labelling not be legally feasible) could be Ecodesign, the EU Ecolabel and GPP. The assessment of the feasibility of the 1st
modules,
option (in particular of Ecodesign and Energy Labelling) is ongoing and it should be assessed by the beginning of 2021 (the Ecodesign
inverters
Consultation Forum meeting is indicatively planned in December 2020/January 2021).
and systems
The EU Ecolabel for toys could have the potential to increase the visibility of the scheme, if taken up by a sufficient number of market
players. The possibility to establish sound criteria in line with the circular economy principles should be further investigated, as well as
Toys the possibility to develop EU Ecolabel criteria for toys as a service. Reasons for uptake/non-uptake in other ecolabelling schemes should
also be further investigated. The development of a questionnaire for toy industry and other stakeholders to collect feedback on their
interest for the EU Ecolabel was put on hold for lack of resources.
Working on greening food retail stores is an important work stream of the circular economy, and it is linked to the possibility of
improving the practices of the sector (including decreasing food waste), promoting the production and consumption of sustainable
products and nudging consumers towards sustainable choices. The issue should be discussed in the whole context of the circular
Food retail
economy initiatives, and in case EU Ecolabel criteria are developed they should touch all relevant aspects, including the products that
stores
are sold. After a discussion at the EU Ecolabelling Board, it was agreed that further reflection is needed on the suitability for an ecolabel
to address the issue in its complexity, taking into account potential synergies/overlaps with EMAS, and Organisation Environmental
Footprint (OEFSR) for Retail and other existing activities such as the EU Retail Forum (and maybe EU GPP).
This product group was not considered as a priority because of the on-going revisions of the Voluntary Agreement and of the GPP
criteria for Imaging Equipment. The New Circular Economy Action Plan foresees the inclusion of printers and consumables such as
Cartridges
cartridges in the next Ecodesign work plan unless the sector reaches an ambitious voluntary agreement within Q3/Q4 2020. The
willingness to develop EU Ecolabel criteria for this product group will be re-assessed after a decision on Ecodesign measures.
Renewable A study was launched by the Commission Services to assess options to establish an EU-wide green label with a view to promote the use
energy from of renewable energy coming from new installations. The EU Ecolabel is one of the options investigated by the study. The study will
new provide the technical support for the elaboration of the report described in Article 19(13) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 on the promotion
installations of the use of energy from renewable sources (RED II).

3
The Final Report may be found online at : https://susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/solar_photovoltaics/documents.html

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