APPENDIX II: FIRST QUARTERLY REPORT...

40 EC – DG Environment

EU Ecolabel Helpdesk – 2007 Final Report

December 2007

APPENDIX II: FIRST QUARTERLY REPORT 2007

Contact BIO INTELLIGENCE SERVICE SAS

Véronique Monier - Cécile des Abbayes

Corentine Mazingue-Desailly

Tel: +33 1 56 20 28 98

Mails: [email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

European Commission EU Eco-label Helpdesk

First Quarterly Report 20 March 2007

2 EC – DG Environment EU Eco-label Helpdesk –03/2007 Quarterly Report

March 2007

Content

The EU Ecolabel Helpdesk has been managed by BIO Intelligence Service since January, 20th 2004.

This report presents a summary of its activities from December, 16th 2006 to March, 20th 2007.

The first part, “Assistance to the Commission for Varied Communication Tasks”, presents the activities of the Helpdesk assisting the Commission for different communication tasks like answering enquiries, writing the news, etc.

The second part, “Implementation of the Promotion Action Plan” focuses on the marketing activities implemented by the Helpdesk from December, 16th 2006 to March, 20th 2007.


March 2007

Content

1. Part 1: Assistance to the European Commission for Varied Communi cation Tasks ....... 4

Activities and Results of the Helpdesk................................................................................................................. 5

1.1. Answers to the enquiries ...................................................................................................................... 5

1.2. The Flower newsletter .......................................................................................................................... 6

1.3. The E-catalogue ................................................................................................................................... 7

1.4. The news section of the eco-label web site .......................................................................................... 9

1.5. The News alert ................................................................................................................................... 10

1.6. The Flower news ................................................................................................................................ 10

2. Part 2: Implementation of the Promotion Action Plan............ ............................................ 11

Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ 12

State of Implementation of 2007 Scheduled Marketing Activities ...................................................................... 13

2.1. E-catalogue ........................................................................................................................................ 14

2.2. information material ............................................................................................................................ 16

2.3. Contact with stakeholders .................................................................................................................. 18

2.4. Cleaning products............................................................................................................................... 20

2.5. Textiles ............................................................................................................................................... 21

2.6. Assistance to the Marketing Management Group............................................................................... 22

2.7. Flower Week 2007.............................................................................................................................. 22

Appendices ............................................. ............................................................................................. 23

Appendix I: News............................................................................................................................................... 24

Appendix II: News Alert ..................................................................................................................................... 33

Appendix III: Soaps & shampoos Draft fact sheet and product group page ...................................................... 53

Appendix IV: Minutes of the MMG meeting of 12 December 2006 .................................................................... 57

Appendix V: Draft agenda for MMG meeting of 24 April 2007........................................................................... 61


March 2007

1. Part 1: Assistance to the European Commission for Varied Communication Tasks


March 2007

ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS OF THE HELPDESK

1.1. ANSWERS TO THE ENQUIRIES

� The Helpdesk received 74 enquiries from December 16th 2006 to March 11th 2007.

� December 2006 (from the 16th): 4 enquiries

� January 2007: 34 enquiries

� February 2007: 24 enquiries

� March 2007 (until the 11th): 12 enquiries

BIO answered 70 of them, as they dealt with marketing issues or the e-catalogue. The EC answered the others.

� The enquiries were from people from the following countries:

� 16 from France

� 7 from Denmark

� 6 from the Netherlands

� 6 from Ireland

� 4 from the United Kingdom

� 4 from Italy

� 4 from Luxemburg

� 4 from Spain

� 4 from the Czech Republic

� 3 from Turkey

� 3 from Greece

� 3 from country not precised

� 3 from Austria

� 2 from Belgium

� 2 from Switzerland

� 2 from Canada

� 1 from Hungary

� 1 from Estonia

� 1 from Finland

� 1 from Montenegro

� 1 from Colombia

� 1 from Latvia

� A great number of enquiries were also made by phone.


March 2007

1.2. THE FLOWER NEWSLETTER

� 136 people were added to the Flower mailing list between December 16th 2006 and March 12th 2007.

� The graph below presents the languages asked for:

Newsletter Languages

English; 45

French; 57

Italian; 14

Greek; 6

Spanish; 14

� The people added to the mailing list come from the following countries :

Nationality of the people added to the Flower newsl etter

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

2

2

3

3

3

3

4

4

5

5

5

13

14

53

Hungary

Lithuania

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Faroe Islands

Poland

Tunisia

Romania

Iceland

USA

Azerbaidjan

Russia

Canada

Austria

The Netherlands

Denmark

Germany

Switzerland

Ireland

Turkey

Portugal

unspecified

Belgium

Greece

Sweden

The United Kingdom

Italy

Spain

France

The people subscribing to the Flower news were systematically added to the EU Eco-label News Alert (they have the possibility to unsubscribe if they wish so).


March 2007

1.3. THE E-CATALOGUE

� Hosting the e-catalogue

The e-catalogue is hosted by Diogenius, a Belgian company, subcontractor of BIO for the duration of its contract.

� Maintaining the e-catalogue

� 27 new holders were added to the e-catalogue:

Company name Product group Country

JULES CLARYSSE Textiles BE

ALLIOS Indoor paints and varnishes FR

PARADISE GARDEN CAMPING Camp sites AT

QUIMICAS DEL VINALOPO S.L. All purpose cleaners ES

CAMPING ALTGARGE Camp sites DE

CAMPING STADTWALDSEE Camp sites DE

HÖHENCAMPINGPLATZ Camp sites DE

NATURCAMPING LANGENWALD Camp sites DE

CENTRO DIDATTICA AMBIENTALE Tourist accommodation IT

AGRITURISMO BIO FARM CUCCHE Tourist accommodation IT

PINETA HOTELS Tourist accommodation IT

HOTEL CAPRICE Tourist accommodation IT

GRAND HOTEL MASSERIA Tourist accommodation IT

CAMPEGGIO ARCO PRABI Camp sites IT

VIPAP VIDEM KRSKO D.D. Copying and graphic paper SI

SPORTHOTEL ZATON Tourist accommodation CZ

NILE LINEN GROUP Textiles EG

GITE DU CHARRON Tourist accommodation CH

CAMPINGPLATZ HOLMERNHOF Camp sites DE


March 2007

LAUMAS LTD Tourist accommodation LV

JOTUN AS Indoor paints and varnishes NO

PINTURAS DYRUP Indoor paints and varnishes ES

A&B LABORATORIOS DE All purpose cleaners ES

CAMPING BERAU AM WOLFGANGSEE Camp sites AT

HOTEL SOLE Tourist accommodation IT

CASA PER FERIE CONTE ROSSO Tourist accommodation IT

KAJO-CHEMIE GMBH Lubricants DE

An email was sent to every new producer to inform him about the e-catalogue, and provide him with his user name and password so as to put online information about his company.

Figure 1 – Example of promotional e-mail for the e-catalogue

The new holders were added to the address database for the dissemination of the Flower newsletter.

� PRAXIS HERNING APS (Danish producer of textiles) lost his license and was withdrawn from the e-catalogue.


March 2007

� Statistics

� Flowertest

72 people have turned in a user name and password in order to be able to log in the new web-based tool for applicants since March 18th 2006 which brings the total to 212 people. The 72 new users come from: - 17 are from a textile companies from the following countries: India, Austria, turkey,

Pakistan, Brazil, USA, France, Canada, Australia, Bangladesh, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands;

- 5 from other companies mainly in the environmental field or communication; - 5 from public authorities; - 1 student; - 2 from NGOs; - 5 from companies from the chemistry/pharmaceutical branch; - 11 whose activity is not precised come from the following countries: India, Poland, Germany, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Indonesia, Italy and Germany; - and 26 from origin and activity not precised.

� Statistics on the number of visits per month on the e-catalogue from February 2003 to February 2007 are presented in the graph below. The average number of pages viewed per month in 2007 is 104 253.

The average number of hits per month in 2007 is 491 914.

NB: no statistics are presented for September 2004 due to a computer crash at Diogenius at this moment.

Number of visits per month to www.eco-label.com

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

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ruar

y 20

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003

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r 20

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y 20

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ch 2

004

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il 20

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ust 2

004

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y 20

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ch 2

005

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il 20

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200

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ust 2

005

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r 20

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embe

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Mar

ch 2

006

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il 20

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May

200

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June

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006

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07

1.4. THE NEWS SECTION OF THE ECO-LABEL WEB SITE

The news for January, February, March 2007 are enclosed in Appendix 1.


March 2007

1.5. THE NEWS ALERT

The December 2006, January 2007, and February 2007 News Alerts are enclosed in Appendix 2.

1.6. THE FLOWER NEWS

In 2007, the Flower News will be released in English, Italian, Spanish, French and German.

The content of the first issue of the Flower News 2007 is the following: - Interview: Revision process of the Ecolabel Scheme, by Benjamin Caspar, Head

of EU Ecolabel Unit at the EC

- Report: Bloom of the Flower for tourist accommodation - Retailers’ corner: Flower Week 2007!

- News in brief:

� Promotion of the Flower in new MSs

� Promotion of EU Ecolabel at numerous fairs

� Promotion of the Flower for products throughout Europe

- On the web: Results of the Eurobarometer Survey on the awareness of the Flower.


March 2007

2. Part 2: Implementation of the Promotion Action Plan


March 2007

INTRODUCTION

� This report follows our previous report presenting the Progress of the Implementation of Marketing Activities (December 2006).

� This report presents the marketing activities undertaken in the February 2007– mid March 2007 quarter. (In January 2007 the Marketing Action Plan was produced, then reviewed and approved by the Commission, so no specific marketing activity was implemented during this month. However, communication tasks, as presented in the previous part of this report, were implemented as usual).

� The activities planned for the second 2007 quarter (April – June) are also presented, in conformity with the 2007 Action Plan validated by the EC in February 2007.


March 2007

STATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF 2007 SCHEDULED MARKETING ACTIVITIES

This table summarises the marketing activities done or going on in the February 2007 – March 2007 period. They are explained and commented in the following chapters.

Marketing Activities scheduled in 2007 When

� E-catalogue

■ Translations of both the front office and back office in the 2 languages of the new EU Member States: Romanian and Bulgarian

■ Update the product group pages

■ Updating the information related to holders and retailers

■ Rewriting the code of the e-catalogue

To be done

On-going

To be done

To be done

� Information material

■ Production of the remaining product group fact sheets

■ Production of print files for the translations of the fact sheets produced in 2005, 2006 and the consumer and purchaser leaflets in the two languages of the new EU Member States

■ Production of print files for the translations of the new fact sheets and the ones updated in 2007

On-going

To be done

To be done

� Contact with stakeholders

■ Creation of a page dedicated to GPP on the e-catalogue

■ Contact with Ms Jill Michielssen (in charge of GPP issues within the EC)

■ Preparation of the participation to the ‘Salon des Maires’ 2007

■ Create an interactive online quiz on the Flower

■ Create a database of ‘green’ suppliers

■ Create a page on the Europa website with quotes from NGOs

To be done

Done

On-going

To be done

On-going

To be done

� Cleaning products

■ PLMA Fair in Amsterdam on 22-23 May 2007

■ Support to the promotion of the soaps and shampoos PG

On-going

To be done

� Textiles

■ H&M’s position towards promoting the Flower

■ Collaboration with H&M during the Flower Week

Done

To be done

� Flower Week 2007

■ Preparation of articles and a press-kit. To be done


March 2007

2.1. E-CATALOGUE

On-going Marketing Activities for 2007 When

■ A1 - Translations of both front office and back off ice in the 2 languages of the new EU Member States

It is important to make the e-catalogue available to all European consumers. In 2007, the Helpdesk will translate both front and back offices of the web site in the languages of the 2 new Member States: Romanian and Bulgarian. The front office is the public part of the web site, where consumers have access; the back office is the private part of the web site, where holders and retailers can update/modify the information related to their products. Translations will be provided by the EC, and the Helpdesk will take care of the IT work. These translations will be done when the other actions related to the e-catalogue are implemented.

End 2007 (once the translations

are ready)

■ A2 - Update the product group pages The e-catalogue includes pages presenting the different product groups, available from the “product categories” page. Considering that there will be 2 new product groups in 2007 (soaps and shampoos, heat pumps) and that 2 products groups will be revised (televisions, tissue paper), it is necessary to add and/or update the corresponding product group pages. The Helpdesk will produce an English version and CBs will be asked for translations. The Helpdesk has produced a draft version for the new soaps and shampoos product group page which can be found in Appendix 4. NB: Translations will be put online once all CBs have sent them. Note: If the votes for these criteria do not take place as planned, the budget will be reallocated to another activity after discussion with the EC.

On-going


March 2007

■ A3 - Updating the information related to holders an d retailers For different reasons holders do not always use their personal access to their pages, provided by the Helpdesk when they are awarded the Flower, to complete the information related to their company and products. It is therefore necessary to do regular diagnosis of the state of completion of the e-catalogue, send reminding emails to every holder for which information is missing, and finally call the ones who do not answer emails. The Helpdesk will spend 4.5 days on this activity in 2007. This includes asking CBs when the contact details of holders are not valid. Please note that the time allocated to this activity will not allow contacting personally all holders. For retailers, for the moment the database is not completed at all, since information provided by CBs mainly consisted in tables with names of retailers and corresponding products (which already represents a lot of work). An email was sent in 2006 to the retailers on the database for whom we had contact details (56 out of 155 retailers) to offer them to have a personal login and password to directly update their pages. So far out of 56 retailers only 7 answered (Delhaize, Esselunga, and French retailers who were contacted personally by phone). We will send reminding emails to the other ones this year but we have to plan to spend some time to contact them one by one by phone about this if we want to achieve good results. It would be useful also to search for contact details of the environmental managers of the other 99 retailers and to contact them afterwards. The Helpdesk will spend 9.5 days on this activity, 5.5 of which would be dedicated to finding the contact details. This task will be performed by an assistant.

To be done

■ A4 - Rewriting the code of the e-catalogue

Today the e-catalogue web site is written in an old code language (ASP), in a non-dynamic way. This means that the 20 language versions of the Front Office (and by the end of the year 22) are actually 20 different web sites, accessible from the same home page www.eco-label.com. So every modification that needs to be done in the front office (update/addition of a page, modification of the layout) has to be done 20 times, which is costly and not very efficient.

To avoid this, Active Up suggests entirely rewriting the e-catalogue code in ASP.NET, enabling to manage the site in a dynamic way. This means that the texts of each language version would be put in a database, and there would be one single web site, where pages in any language would be generated every time the user wants to see them.

Moreover, the new EU Eco-Label working plan foresees the possibility to further develop the e-catalogue by adding products awarded other eco-labels.

If these 2 modifications were to be done, it would be better to do them simultaneously, in order to do economies of scale. So at this stage the Helpdesk will draw technical specifications for the rewriting of the code and ask estimates from different companies.

After receiving the different offers, the EC will decide next year whether we should go along with the rewriting of the code of the e-catalogue.

To be done


March 2007

2.2. INFORMATION MATERIAL


■ A5 - Production of the remaining product group fact sheets In 2005 the Helpdesk initiated the production of fact sheets describing the Eco-label criteria per product group, targeting producers and retailers. In 2007 this set of fact sheets will be completed with the new product groups (soaps and shampoos, heat pumps) and updated for the products groups being revised (televisions, tissue paper). They will be produced in English. The draft product group fact sheet for the new product group soaps and shampoos is in Appendix 3. Note: If the votes for these criteria do not take place as planned, the budget will be reallocated to another activity after discussion with the EC.

On-going

■ A6 - Production of print files for the translations of the fact sheets produced in 2005 and 2006 and the consumer and purc haser leaflets in the 2 new official languages

Beginning 2007, the EC will translate the existing 24 fact sheets (all purpose cleaners, camp sites, detergents for dishwashers, footwear, general marketing brochure, hand dishwashing detergents, hard floor coverings, tourist accommodations, laundry detergents, paints, personal computers, portable computers, refrigerators, textiles, tissue paper, bed mattresses, light bulbs, dishwashers, washing machines, televisions, soil improvers and growing media, vacuum cleaners, lubricants, and copying paper) and the consumer and GPP leaflets into the 2 languages of the new member states: Romanian and Bulgarian. These translations will be provided in Word format. In order to produce print files (EPS and high resolution PDFs), it is necessary to transfer these translations to Illustrator1. This means to cut and paste all the text fields of a Fact Sheet from Word to Illustrator, adjust the design of the brochure to the various lengths of the texts in the different languages, do the layout, do the final check and produce the EPS, high and low resolution PDF files. This work will be done by an assistant end 2007 once the translations are available and a final check will be done afterwards.

End 2007

■ Production of the print files for the translations of the new fact sheets and the ones updated in 2007

In 2007, the Helpdesk will produce two new product group fact sheets (soaps and shampoos, heat pumps) and will update the fact sheets for two new product groups (televisions, tissue paper). The Helpdesk plans to produce the print files of these fact sheets in the 21 languages of the EU-27 (except for Maltese). The EC will translate the two new product group fact sheets. For the two updated ones, the Helpdesk will see with the EC if the translation services of the EC can do it or if CBs will be asked for the translations.

To be done

1 It is possible to produce PDF files from Word documents, but these will be low resolution files, that printers cannot use.


March 2007

■ Printing of fact sheets and leaflets

The Helpdesk plans a budget of 7,000 Euros for the printing of fact sheets in 2007.

It is hard to say how many brochures will be printed in the end. It depends on the number of different files which are printed and their quantity. As an indication, in 2006 10,355 brochures (58 different brochures in various quantities) were printed for 7555 Euros.

To be done


March 2007

2.3. CONTACT WITH STAKEHOLDERS

� Public purchasers


■ Creation of a page dedicated to GPP on the e-catalo gue

In 2007 a page dedicated to the Flower and Green Public Purchasing will be added to the e-catalogue www.eco-label.com in every language version. This page will reproduce the similar page present in English on the official web site of the Flower (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/whats_eco/gpp_en.htm).

Translations will be taken from the GPP leaflet. If additional translations are needed, the CBs will provide them.

To be done

■ Contacts with Jill Michielssen (in charge of GPP is sues within the EC)

The idea is make the easy-to-use criteria documents for green public purchasers which are being/will be produced by the EC downloadable from the new page dedicated to GPP being created on the e-catalogue, if Ms Michielssen agrees. The Helpdesk has contacted Jill Michielssen on this issue who mentioned that the easy-to-use criteria documents would not be available before the end of the year (December 2007) in the best case, and more realistically in the beginning of 2008. The Helpdesk will thus discuss with the EC whether the 1 day remaining budget should be reallocated to another activity.

Done

■ Participation to the Salon des Maires 2007 The “Salon des Maires” is a fair gathering almost 50,000 French elected representatives and local decision-makers, together with partners and suppliers specialized in the management and development of local communities. There are different thematic sectors, including « Environment and Energy ». This fair usually has important media coverage on TV, radio and the press. The Helpdesk will have a booth during 3 days at this fair to inform directly elected representatives on how they can easily implement green procurement if they use eco-labels. One person from the Helpdesk will be present on the stand, and the French CB will be invited to be present too. The Helpdesk will contact French EU Eco-label holders to see if they would be interested in participating in the fair. Depending on their interest, this could take the form of giving us samples of the EU Eco-labelled products present on the French market for professional use (detergents, paints, soil improvers, light bulbs, etc) to financially participating to the cost of the stand. NB: for the time being, we schedule assuming the total costs of the stand. If it happened that holders would be keen on financially participating to the stand, according to modalities to be agreed with the EC, the budget saved would be allocated to other activities, in agreement with the EC.

www.salondesmaires.com

20-22 ( ?) November

2007 On-going


March 2007

� Consumers


■ Create an interactive quiz on the Flower The Helpdesk will produce an interactive online quiz about the Flower, hosted on the Green Store web site, but available in all languages of EU-27, via a link on the 3 EU Eco-label web sites (Europa, Green Store and web site dedicated to tourism). This quiz will be very simple but nice, so that it can be as attractive to adults as to young people. There could be about 10 questions with multiple choices, and at the end the consumer would get its score out of 10 points. We will take inspiration from the work we did for DG Environment in 2002, for the production of the Environmental Toolkit for Citizens (Jiffy’s Eco-Quiz) - http://ec.europa.eu/environment/toolkits/index_en.htm, though here for budget reasons no animation and no graphic creation could be made. However we can use the already existing photos and logos of the Flower, which should be sufficient to have a nice visual. The quiz will be produced in English in 2007. We will be in charge of the production of the interactive game.

To be done

� Potential holders


■ Create a database of ‘green’ suppliers

The Helpdesk will create a database of such suppliers (=suppliers complying with the criteria related to raw materials (eg fragrances and surfactants for detergents, fabrics for textiles, “green” chemicals for lubricants, etc.) complying with the EU Eco-label criteria, which will be available for download from the EU Eco-label official web site (and from CBs web sites if they wish so). As a first step, the Helpdesk has sent an e-mail to CBs, who have experience in this kind of problem, to gather the information provided by them about suppliers in their own country and create a database of contacts.

On-going

� NGOs


■ Create a page on the Europa web site with quotes fr om NGOs It is very important to have support from NGOs, because consumers trust them, sometimes more than they trust public authorities. The EEB (European Environment Bureau) and the BEUC (Bureau Européen de l’Union des Consommateurs) participate to the elaboration of the Flower criteria, and support it, however not always very pro-actively for budget reasons and also because they (EEB) feel that the criteria for some product groups are not strict enough. A web page will be added to the Europa web site with supportive quotes from NGOS. We will provide the EC with the text of this page.

To be done


March 2007

2.4. CLEANING PRODUCTS

Marketing Activities for 2007 When

■ Participation to PLMA fair in Amsterdam on 22 and 2 3 May 2007 The Helpdesk will have a booth at next PLMA fair, in order to continue the promotion of the Flower towards retailers and SMEs producing cleaning products for private brands. This activity includes: - Sending an email before the fair to all exhibitors producing cleaning products, to announce the presence of the Flower, - Presence of 1 person from the Helpdesk during the 2 days of the fair and 1 person from Stichting Milieukeur during 1 day at the Eco-label exhibit stand (one person at the stand to meet retailers; one person going from stand to stand to meet producers), - Follow-up of the fair: emails or personal phone call to every contact made (who was interested in the Flower) - Press release.

22 – 23 May 2007

■ Support to the promotion of the soaps and shampoos product group

The Helpdesk will prepare a press release to be sent to CBs for use when the decision on this new product group will be published.

April 2007 (when the decision is published)


March 2007

2.5. TEXTILES


■ H&M’s position towards promoting the Flower H&M does not communicate a lot towards consumers about his award for the moment. Their strategy as of May 2006 was to wait until 2007 to see if the Flower led to an increase of their sales of baby garments, and then decide about the renewal of their license. However an H&M store participated in the Flower Week 2006 in Finland. The idea of the Helpdesk on this issue was that it would really be a pity to miss this communication opportunity, at least because the potential increase in the sales of baby garments without communication about the Flower certification is uncertain. So the Helpdesk worked on figuring out the position of H&M towards the Flower, at first by contacting CBs who were in contact with them. So the Helpdesk contacted the Finnish CB, as well as the Swedish CB and Danish CB to have more information concerning the communication of H&M towards the Flower. The Finnish CB explained that the decision to participate in the Flower Week 2006 was made in the Finnish division by the marketing manager Kirsi Räikkönen (who is now moved on to a higher position in H&M, UK). During the Flower Week every H&M customer buying ecolabelled baby clothes received a brochure containing information about the Flower handed out by the cashier. The Finnish CB designed and printed these brochures. Their point of view is that they agree to participate in such campaigns if you ease the work for them. Since the head office of H&M is in Sweden, the Helpdesk contacted the Swedish CB who is not aware of H&M’s position towards marketing the Flower. The Danish CB, who awarded H&M with their licence, explained that H&M had been contacted prior to the Flower Week campaigns but had not wished to participate. The two main reasons are: - officially: H&M has only a small range of products which are ecolabelled and they argued that doing a huge information campaign on the Flower may cause questions as to why not all of their products have the Flower; - not officially: the fact of having signs in their stores does not fit into their store concept. The Danish CB also pointed out that they would be publishing a new licence in April concerning Bestseller, also a big textile retailer (until then this news is confidential). Bestseller is very enthusiastic about the Flower and is planning a European-wide campaign. They have been asking how the ‘EU Ecolabel team’ could help them on this. They would very much appreciate to feel the support of the ‘EU Ecolabel team’ in some way, such as some time spent to help them coordinate the campaign in the different countries. On account of the above, the Helpdesk will discuss with the Commission whether H&M should be contacted and proposed a collaboration, or whether the budget planned for this activity should be reallocated to the same type of activity but with Bestseller.

Done


March 2007

■ Collaboration with H&M during the Flower Week As detailed below, the marketing action plan foresees the possibility to collaborate with H&M during the Flower Week. It will be discussed with the EC if it is more relevant to continue with this idea or switch to Bestseller. What we suggest to do is to try to convince them to collaborate with us or CBs on doing some promotion activities around their award, if possible during the Flower Week. A good idea would be to offer them to set up Flower stands in 2 or 3 H&M stores where Flower ambassadors such as the CBs would inform customers about the environmental and health benefits of H&M EU Ecolabelled baby garments, and distribute information material. At this stage it is difficult to know what could actually be done as this depends on several factors:

- location of stores where H&M sells baby clothes, - participation to the Flower Week of the countries where these stores are

located, - willingness of the store manager to cooperate.

This will be discussed with the EC after H&M has been contacted. If H&M does not wish to have promotion activities in its stores, the budget will be reallocated to another activity after discussion with the EC.

Once CBs contacted

2.6. ASSISTANCE TO THE MARKETING MANAGEMENT GROUP

The minutes of December MMG meeting are enclosed in Appendix 4.

Next MMG meeting will be held in Brussels on 24 April 2007. A draft agenda of the meeting is enclosed in Appendix 5.

2.7. FLOWER WEEK 2007

The Helpdesk will collaborate with the EC and the MMG for the Flower Week 2007, in order to produce and disseminate information about the various scheduled actions. The Helpdesk will:

- produce articles about the different activities scheduled in the participating Member States

- create a press kit in English about the event

- do press activities at EU level (distributing information to NGOs and consumer organisations)

4 days are necessary to implement this activity.


March 2007

Appendices


March 2007

APPENDIX I: NEWS

JANUARY , FEBRUARY , AND MARCH NEWS 2007

News for January 2007

Promotion of the use of the EU Eco-label in GPP at the Salon des Maires Since 2004, public purchasers have been able to insert environmental considerations (e.g. ecolabel criteria) in their calls for tenders. The EU Eco-label Helpdesk was therefore present at the 11th edition of the Salon des Maires in Paris on 21-23 November 2006 in order to inform public purchasers on how the EU Eco-label criteria can be used in green public calls for tenders. The "Salon des Maires et des Collectivités Locales" (Mayors and Local Authorities Fair) is the yearly meeting place of local authorities (visitors) and their suppliers (exhibitors). 48 000 people visited the fair this year, 43% of whom were elected representatives and 57% territorial managers and local authorities’ service providers. The areas dedicated to Energy and Environment were amongst the most visited ones. The Helpdesk was present at the stand of Novamex, the only EU Eco-label holder present on the fair, displaying a poster with the slogan “Acheter éco-responsable, c’est facile avec la Fleur !" (“GPP is easy with the Flower!”) and handing out GPP leaflets. A conference on the use of EU Eco-labelled criteria in public calls for tenders (“Green procurement in practice. How to insert the EU Eco-label criteria in a call for tenders?”) was organised by the Helpdesk in partnership with Novamex on 23rd November. Generally speaking, all the visitors were interested in ecology, sustainable development or Agenda 21. Discussions with stakeholders, as well as the observation of the number of exhibitors in the Environment section of the fair, confirm that public administrations' and local authorities' interest in environmental matters is increasing in France.

The GPP poster printed for the occasion Ms Géraldine Séjourné, marketing manager of Novamew, and Mr Michel Leuthy, Director of Novamex, in discussion with a visitor.

More information can be found at www.salondesmaires.com

TV broadcast on detergents by EU Eco-label holder Salveco The detergents of EU Eco-label holder Salveco were the object of a news story broadcast on the most watched television news programme in France on 28 November 2006. Their Atout Vert range of products, designed for a professional use, generated great interest among the journalists who came to visit their offices. Link to the TV news programme: http://tf1.lci.fr/infos/jt/0,,3361420,00-journal-televise-novembre-2006-20h-.html

Sharp TVs advertised with the Flower in Finland In Finland, the major home electronics retailer GIGANTTI is marketing the EU Flower very visibly by widely promoting the EU Eco-labelled products it sells. For example, on the Gigantti web site, Sharp 26" and 32" LCD TVs are marketed with a large EU Flower logo.

News for February 2007

Revision of the Scheme The process of revising the EU Ecolabel scheme is currently underway. As part of the process, a revision questionnaire has been issued that all stakeholders are invited to complete. It is available at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/consultation_en.htm. The deadline for responses is 2nd

March. Please note that you only have 90 minutes to fill in the questionnaire before your session "times out", so it may be an idea to look through it first, and then start the session again before completing the form.

Promotion of the EU Ecolabel in Estonia in 2006 In order to promote the EU Ecolabel, in 2006, the Ministry of the Environment in Estonia initiated a project entitled “Application of the Community eco-label in Estonia”. This project was carried out within seven months (from March to September 2006) and was directed at producers. Its purpose was to analyse whether products of Estonian producers comply with the ecological criteria and if producers were ready to apply for the Flower and to develop sustainable production and consumption. The project was carried out in cooperation with the Stockholm Environment Institute Tallinn Centre (SEI-Tallinn), the Estonia Ministry of the Environment and the Estonian Environment Information Centre (Estonian competent body). Three companies from different sectors participated in the project:

- Estko Ltd whose main activity is the production of efficient and environmentally-friendly cleaners for agriculture and the food industry. Assessment was done for a hand dishwashing detergent.

- Eskaro Ltd, producer of paints, varnishes, putties, wood protectors, glues and other products. Their products had to meet the requirements for indoor paints and varnishes.

- Soomaa Hostel, located in the village of Jõesuu, gateway to Soomaa National Park. The Hostel offers accommodation for nature lovers and outdoor activities all year round. Different guided tours are organized from the hostel. They were assessed under the criteria of the tourist accommodation service product group.

With the help of SEI-Tallinn specialists, assessment was carried out to see whether the companies met the criteria. If they didn’t, recommendations were given to improve their products/service. Support was also given to fill in the application forms for the label. The results of the project showed that the companies are almost ready to apply for the Flower. Some changes in their products still have to be made, however, and companies admitted that it is probably easier to develop totally new products which meet the requirement of the ecolabel criteria, than improve the old product. Guidelines were written and published last year in Estonia based on the results of the project: “The application of the Community eco-label – a guideline for producers”. The Estonian competent body has not received any applications yet, but there is still great interest in the Flower.

Workshop on the Flower for Tourist Accommodation in Latvia Following the interest arising during the Flower Week in October 2006, a follow-up workshop on Tourist Accommodation Services and the EU Ecolabel was held in Latvia on the 24th November. Participants - mostly operators employed in rural tourism - were introduced to the experience gained by the first two licensees on their way towards the Flower. The Latvian competent body also made a presentation on how to implement ecological criteria. Participants enjoyed the local organic food offered by “Ekovirtuve” during the coffee break (as you know, proposing organic food is one of the optional criteria for the Flower for tourist accommodations!). Another workshop has already been planned for May 2007, with more interested companies.

Upcoming fairs The Flower will again be present at numerous fairs and events in 2007. The next fairs scheduled for the beginning of the year are: - 17th Reisepavillon Hannover on 2-4 February 2007: this is a fair for alternative travel, 300 operators from 30 countries show sustainable ways to the pleasures of travel.

http://www.reisepavillon-online.de/

- Reisemesse Essen on 21-25 February 2007: this fair focuses on camping.

http://www.reise-camping.de/

- The European Ecolabel will have a stand at the Europropre fair in Paris on 27-29 March. This international trade fair is dedicated to hygiene and cleanliness, thus detergents.

http://www.europropre.com/

- The French CB, AFNOR, will have a stand at Ecorismo on 13-14 March in Arles (south of France). ECORISMO is the first trade fair and forum on eco-products and environmental solutions for the hospitality business (hotel, camping, catering, etc.) and tourism industries.

http://www.ecorismo.com

- At the ITB Berlin on 7-11 March 2007, the Flower for tourist accommodation services will be promoted.

http://www.itb-berlin.de/

News for March 2007 Enthusiasm in Romania for the Flower With its recent adhesion to the European Union, Romania has more than ever realized the need for an economic development policy which takes sustainability aspects into account . In the European Ecolabel, the Romanian Government has recognized an instrument which can be of help in order to involve entrepreneurs in a strategy that implements European legislation, while at the same time launching the entrpreneurs on the European market and sending a positive signal to Romanian consumers. To this purpose, on 26th February, a seminar was organized in cooperation with the Romanian Ministry of Environment, the “Reporter Economic” newspaper and the Romanian Agency for Environmental Protection. Participants were representatives and stakeholders from the textile, chemical and IT industries, consumers’ organisations, and the media. After an introduction by Mrs. Sulfina Barbu, Environment Minister, who underlined the need for the country to comply with EU regulations and the huge opportunity offered by instruments like the Flower, Mrs. Dana Toma, head of the Competent Body for the EU-Ecolabel in Romania, explained the requirements and advantages of certification for the Romanian market. Mrs. Dagmar Diwok then illustrated the Label's implementation and dissemination activities from the viewpoint of the European Commission. Further speakers from different sectors at both an institutional and entrepreneurial level discussed the possibility of using the Flower as a true “passport to Europe for Romanian products and services”. Great interest was shown by the public and the media, and further initiatives are already being planned in order to support firms who want to apply for the European Ecolabel, among these initiatives is a further seminar on 15th and 16th March, again in Bucharest.

Mrs. Dana Toma from the Competent Body and Mrs Dagmar Diwok

Poster in Romanian publicising EU Ecolabel products, part of the documentation given to the participants at the seminar, which also included info sheets about the certification criteria and the application process, and information for consumers.

The speakers’ table: Mr. Adrian Izvoranu, director of the Romanian confederation of industry, services and commerce, Mrs. Dana Toma, Mrs. Sulfina Barbu and Mrs. Dagmar Diwok

Seminar participants The full seminar programme can be viewed on the website of the Romanian Ministry of Environment http://www.mmediu.ro/presa/23.02.07a.pdf (in Romanian).

Award for a project to promote the EU Ecolabel for footwear INESCOP has won an award for its project to promote the European Ecolabel for footwear. The LIFE Project, ECOFOOT, led by the Spanish Footwear Technological Institute (INESCOP) and aiming to promote the European Ecolabel for footwear, has received an award as the Best European Project in the Valencian Region (Spain) in the environmental category. As a result of the ECOFOOT project, an extensive dissemination campaign was launched among EU footwear manufacturers. Of the different dissemination tools implemented, the creation of a web site on the European Ecolabel for footwear, www.ecoshoe.info, proved to be particularly productive. The web site was translated into 9 languages: eight European Union languages (Spanish, English, Italian, French, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Greek) and Arabic, due to the increasing interest in the footwear sector that is being shown by Arab countries. Currently, and even though the ECOFOOT LIFE project is over, the web site continues to receive more than 300,000 visits per year, thus becoming the ultimate European Ecolabel reference for footwear. By accessing the www.ecoshoe.info web site it is possible to download all the information required to obtain the Ecolabel. This is of interest not only to those wishing to obtain the Ecolabel but also to the manufacturers of raw materials for footwear choosing to produce their products under the environmental criteria acknowledged by the European Union.

Technical seminar in Italy on the use of the Ecolabel in GPP The Italian GPP Working Group, established within the national Agenda 21 network, is currently promoting a series of technical seminars aiming at clarifying specific themes and matters regarding the practical application of GPP and open to all interested GPP practitioners. These seminars are carried out in cooperation with the Italian Ministry of Environment and the National Agency for the Environment. The theme of the last seminar, held on 16th February in Turin, was “the use of ecolabels in GPP”, with specific focus on the EU Ecolabel. The presentation, given by Renata Mirulla from the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Marco Glisoni from the Environmental Agency of the Piemonte Region, went through the following topics: types of ecolabels that can be used in public tenders according to the EU Directives and to Italian legislation, availability on the market of ecolabelled products and services; how to use the ecological criteria in public tenders: technical specifications, award criteria, selection criteria, how to prove compliance with the ecological criteria. Over 50 local authority representatives took part in the seminar. The outcome, as for the other initiatives of the working group, is an official “position paper” that can be downloaded from the http://www.compraverde.it/ website. For more information: Renata Mirulla, Ministry of Environment: [email protected] Nina Vetri, GPP Working Group: [email protected]

Miscellaneous On 27th February 2007, the Competent Body of Comunidad de Madrid (Spain) organised an award ceremony for two new products: "Naturlatto", a bed mattress (bed mattress product group), manufactured by the organisation Somma Confort, S.L., and the "Iris" mattress pad (textile product group), manufactured by Textiles Inducam, S.L.

The Competent Body of Comunidad de Madrid and the new licensees.


March 2007

APPENDIX II: NEWS ALERT

DECEMBER, JANUARY , AND FEBRUARY 2007

December, 2006 Issue 12 More information Green Store Contact Subscribe

IN THIS ISSUE

Report on the 2006 Flower Week in Murcia Mrs Matilde Ruiz, from Murcia Competent Body, tells us about the conference held in La Manga for the Flower Week 2006 (more…)

Success for the Flower Week in Italy The Italian Competent Body, APAT, together with the Regional and Provincial Agencies for the protection of the environment �ARPA� was involved through a series of communication events, such as seminars, workshops, and events, throughout Italy (more…)

Promotion of the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodations in Switzerland The Swiss Tourism Federation �STV� and the Federal Office for the Environment �FOEN� awarded the EU Eco-label to four tourist accommodation enterprises in October (more…)

Results of the Eco-Textile project The Eco-Textile project aimed to the promotion of the Eco-Label scheme among the Hellenic textile industry �more…� Promotion of Flower-labelled products in Di stores in Belgium On December, 1st and 2nd, a promotion campaign for eco-friendly products including flower-labelled products took place in Di stores with the support of Mr Bruno Tobback, Minister of the Environment �more…� Statistics/New Holders

In December 2006, 9 new companies were awarded with the Flower and 4 holders extended their range of EU Eco-labelled products. (more…)

Miscellaneous Updated web site in Belgium and award ceremony in Finland �more…�

FULL ARTICLES

Report on the 2006 Flower Week in Murcia Mrs Matilde Ruiz, from Murcia Competent Body, tells us about the conference held in La Manga for the Flower Week 2006.

On October, 10th, Murcia celebrated a one-day Conference to promote the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodation services at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in La Manga, San Javier �Murcia�. We put a free bus at the disposal of participants to travel from Murcia to La Manga.

We received around 80 participants, among which were owners of rural accommodations, hotel representatives, environmental consultants and university teachers.

We started the conference by welcoming the participants, who were given a paper bag with “the Flower” T-shirt and some leaflets containing practical information about “the Flower” �how to get it�, environmental investments that are tax-deductible, etc. After the welcome, the conference began.

Conference programme

10.15 Opening speech, by the Secretario General de la Consejería de Industria y Medio Ambiente, Mr. Francisco Ferrer Meroño

10.30 The European Eco-label for tourist accommodation services, by Mr. Juan Ignacio Sánchez Gelabert, Jefe de Servicio de Calidad Ambiental, Consejería de Industria y Medio Ambiente

11.00 Murcian tourist sector and the interesting aspects of the compliance with the established criteria, by Mr. Santiago García Bonache, Foro 21, Soluciones de Ingeniería, S.L.

12.00 Indirect subsidies and aids that can be granted to hotel industry when trying to obtain “The Flower” in Murcia:

Tax-deductible environmental investments, by Mr. Juan Ignacio Sánchez Gelabert, Jefe de Servicio de Calidad Ambiental, Consejería de Industria y Medio Ambiente�

Subsidies and aids for renewable energy sources, by Mr. Joaquín Abadía Sánchez, Asesor Facultativo de la Dirección General de Industria, Energía, y Minas, Consejería de Industria y Medio Ambiente.

Subsidies and aids to renew appliances during 2006, by Mr. Francisco Ayala, ARGEM.

Optimal use of water resources at tourist accommodation services in Murcia, by Mr. Jesús Pacheco, Presidente de la Asociación de Hoteles de la Región de Murcia.

13.30, The eco-label and the environmental programme at La Manga Club, by Mr. Jordi Vila, Director del Departamento de Medio Ambiente y Responsabilidad Social Corporativa, de Med Group Inversiones, S.L

15.30 A bus took all the participants to the Principe Felipe Hotel. Throughout a visit of the hotel facilities, participants were shown how to check the compliance or non compliance with the established criteria, which are the means of verification and the necessary changes in order to fulfil the criteria. The visit was guided by Mr. Santiago García Bonache, Foro 21. Soluciones de Ingeniería, S.L.

16.30 Round table on The suitability of the European eco-label for Murcian tourist accommodation services. Participants: hotel industry representatives and environmental and tourist administration representatives. Chairman: Mr. Antonio Alvarado Pérez, Director General de Calidad Ambiental, Consejería de Industria y Medio Ambiente.

17.30 Closing ceremony, by Ms. Elena García Cartagena, Directora General de Promoción Turística, Consejería de Turismo, Comercio y Consumo

A diploma was given to the participants who asked for a certificate of attendance. Some of them are trying to get the Hotels and Tourist Accommodation standard for the Q brand �UNE 182.002: 2005�, and would like to use the diploma to justify a part of their environmental training.

Success for the Flower Week in Italy

The Italian Competent Body, APAT, together with the Regional and Provincial Agencies for the protection of the environment �ARPA� was involved through a series of communication events, such as seminars, workshops, and events, throughout Italy. Some events saw the active participation of all the interested parties in the promotion of the Eco-label. Among these were the local and national institutions, trade associations, consumer associations, distributors and producers. Various seminars, during the week of October, were held throughout the territory. The Emas-Ecolabel schools, recognised by the Italian C.B., not only make an important contribution to the diffusion of the Eco-label but also create new profession positions �e.g. EU Eco-label consultants�. As far as the large retail national groups are concerned, COOP with 307 hyper and supermarkets �172.000 Ecolabel brochures distributed�, Carrefour Italia with 53 hypermarkets � 159.000 Ecolabel

brochures distributed� and Esselunga with 128 hyper and supermarkets, participated to the Flower week. They distributed informative brochures to consumers and highlighted EU Eco-label products, both on shelves and through radio advertising and stimulated consumers to buy Eco-label products by applying special discount on these products during the 2nd week of October.

Poster used by the retailer Esselunga Screenprint of the cartoon available on the web site www.ecolabelweek.apat.it

The COOP Ecolabel products sold during the Flower week experienced an increase of 111% as compared with the results obtained in 2005. Last but not least, various consumers organisations �such as ACU, ADOC, Assoutenti and CODACOMS� helped through their channel of information �both on web site and printed media� the diffusion of the Eco-label among Italian consumers. NGOs such as Ecoistituto Pasquale Cavaliere and Villaggio Globale also contributed to the campaign. Regional and Provincial Agencies for the protection of the environment (ARPA)

Events

ARPA Basilicata Seminars ARPA Calabria Workshops within a tourism specialized schools ARPA Emilia Romagna. seminars ARPA Friuli Venezia Giulia Ecolabel informative stand in different events ARPA Liguria Ecolabel informative stand in different events

and seminars ARPA Lombardia seminars ARPA Marche seminars and convention ARPA Molise seminars ARPA Piemonte Seminars, conventions, workshops ARPA Puglia Creation of Ecolabel information counter ARPA Sardegna Seminars ARPA Sicilia Seminars ARPA Toscana Seminars ARPA Umbria Seminars

Total number of Ecolabel brochures distributed :

• 11 420 Ecolabel brochures for general information • 30 000 Ecolabel brochures for tourism accommodation and camp site • 7000 Ecolabel posters

More information on http://www.ecolabelweek.apat.it/

Promotion of the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodations in Switzerland The Swiss Tourism Federation (STV) and the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN)

awarded the EU Eco-label to four tourist accommodation enterprises in October. The introduction of the eco-label in Switzerland was supported by FOEN. It is now being offered by the STV as a new instrument for the promotion of quality in the Swiss tourism sector.

Attractive landscapes are the lifeblood of tourism in Switzerland. Yet, as FOEN Director Bruno Oberle pointed out at the presentation of the EU Eco-label to four Swiss tourist accommodation enterprises in Bern, “Beautiful scenery and nature cannot be taken for granted.” Conserving natural resources such as landscape diversity, forests, soil, water and clean air, he added, meant being able to use them over the long term. Here, tourism and environmental policy work hand in hand. A case in point is the EU Eco-label, which Swiss establishments can now gain as a mark of their environmental awareness.

By promoting the selection of regional products and the use of renewable resources, the label creates competitive advantages across Europe for hotels, youth hostels, holiday apartments and mountain cabins. Speaking to the media, STV Director Judith Renner-Bach commented: “With the EU Eco-label, an accommodation enterprise communicates its regard for nature – both to its guests and to its staff. A company awarded this label has a mark which is recognized throughout Europe – an area with a pool of 500 million consumers.” From February 2007, the new label will also be included in the online hotel guide operated by the organization hotelleriesuisse.

Label awarded to four enterprises

In Bern, on October, 9th, the Swiss Tourism Federation �STV� and the Federal Office for the Environment �FOEN� presented the EU Eco-label to four tourist accommodation enterprises – a 5-star hotel in Saas-Fee, a youth hostel, a holiday apartment operator in Saas-Fee and an SAC cabin. The eco-label had already been awarded to the Boldern convention centre in Männedorf last year.

The introduction of the EU Eco-label was launched by FOEN, in conjunction with the Bern University Research Institute for Leisure and Tourism �FIF�; this included the production of a Swiss Handbook. Responsibility for coordination, training and marketing of the label is now being taken on by the STV. During the pilot phase – which ran from April 2005 to September 2006 – the application procedure was simplified. A Swiss auditor can now check, through an on-site inspection, whether an establishment meets the requirements specified for the EU Eco-label. The decision on certification is taken by the Competent Body in Austria, in collaboration with the STV. An excellent working partnership has been established with this authority.

Ferienart Resort & Spa, one of the four Swiss hotels awarded the Flower

Results of the Eco-Textile project The Eco-Textile project aimed to the promotion of the Eco-Label scheme among the Hellenic textile industry. It was elaborated in cooperation with the Hellenic Fashion Industry Association, SIGMA Consultants Ltd -an engineering consultancy firm-, the Clothing Textile and Fibber Technological Developments SA, and the Consumers’ Association for the Quality of Life. The project was co-financed by the European programme LIFE – Environment by 50%. It had a three years’ duration, from 1/10/2003 until 30/9/2006 and a total budget of 1.15 million euros. During the project, three informative workshops were conducted covering the entire Greece, numerous informative articles were published in newspapers and specialized magazines, a committee of 300 key market actors were trained for the promotion of the eco-label, two training seminars were conducted and various informative materials were created and disseminated. The main result, after completion of all the above dissemination actions was the significant raise of

awareness of the EU Eco-label amongst Greek consumers, from 1,2% to 30%. Additionally, four pilot projects were implemented in Greek textile companies. These included the preparation of application files and submission of them to the Greek CB ASAOS. The experience of the pilot implementations was used for the creation of one Good Practice Guide for the award of the eco-label. Finally, an Eco-Consultancy office was created at the premises of the Hellenic Fashion Industry Association for the provision of all the necessary information and technical support to enterprises interested in the Eco-Label certification. The project ended with the organization of a final workshop, which took place in Thessaloniki at Electra Palace Hotel. The agenda of the conference mainly dealt with the outcomes of the project regarding the promotion of the Eco-label towards the textile enterprises as well as consumers. The comparative benefits of the products which had been awarded the Eco-Label were also presented, and finally issues about the Greek textile sector were discussed. Mrs. Christina Marouli, the monitoring expert on behalf of the Astrale Life Team responsible for the Eco-Textile project, was invited to the conference in order to line out the main directions and objectives of the LIFE E.E. programme. The conference was attended with great success by executives and entrepreneurs from clothing and textile enterprises, who were motivated by the perspective of adapting an environmentally friendly strategy for the future of their companies.

More information about the project can be found at www.eco-textile.gr

Promotion of Flower-labelled products in Di stores in Belgium Di, Belgian retailer specialised in care and beauty products, displays a large variety of eco-friendly products on its shelves, including Flower-labelled products under the brands Naturnett and Delhaize. On December, 1st and 2nd, a promotion campaign took place with the support of Mr Bruno Tobback, Minister of the Environment. Flowers and informative leaflets were distributed to clients of a dozen stores, in order to encourage them to choose ecological products. On December 2nd, Minister Bruno Tobback visited the Di store in Kessel-lo to encourage this initiative. In addition, during December, EU Eco-labelled products will be promoted in stores, and clients will receive bonus points every time they buy these products. “Di has always been a pioneer for care and beauty products. Indeed, we were the first in Belgium to introduce ecological products on our shelves and we did not hesitate to extend this range a lot. Moreover, this development is in line with the strategy of the Delhaize group, more and more concerned by sustainable development”, says Raymond Scheyvaerts, Di Director. “And we have results! Our ecological brand of household cleaning products is a success and experienced a strong increase of 60% as compared with 2005! It shows that our clients are well aware of environmental problems.” All environmentally-friendly products in Di stores are grouped on the same shelves and marked with clear signs, to help consumers find them. Di makes it easy to choose green!

Statistics/New Holders

In December 2006, 9 new companies were awarded with the Flower and 4 holders extended their range or updated their references.

All purpose and sanitary cleaners: Salveco �FR� renewal, Lobial �FR� extension, Net-Flore industrie �FR�, Alcal Chimie �FR�

Camp sites: Camphotel OASA �CZ�, Seecamping Gruber �AT�, Campingplatz Salzmann �AT�

Hand dishwashing detergents: Salveco �FR� updated references, Net-Flore industrie �FR�, Alcal Chimie �FR�

Indoor paints and varnishes: Pinturas Monto �ES� updated references

Laundry detergents: Salveco �FR� updated references

Textiles: Jules Clarysse �BE�

Tourist accommodation services: Hotel Pension Hubertus �AT�, Schlank-Schlemmer Hotel Kürschner �AT�, Jugendherberge Baden �CH�

Miscellaneous

- Updated website in Belgium Belgium has updated its national website dedicated to the Flower. Consumers, producers, retailers, local authorities can now find at www.ecolabel.be any information they need on EU Eco-labelled products available in Belgium, how to do Green Public Procurement, regularly updated news and many other items! For more information, please contact: Béatrice Best Chargée de Communication SPF Santé Publique, Sécurité de la chaîne alimentaire et Environnement +32 2 524 9557 [email protected]

- European Eco-label award for UPM-Kymmene in Finland Last October, UPM-Kymmene was awarded the Flower for 16 cutsize products, 5 envelop products, and 5 preprint products, all in the copying and graphic paper product group. These products are produced in Finland and Germany.

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January, 2007 Issue 13 More information Green Store Contact Subscribe

IN THIS ISSUE

Promotion of the use of the EU Ecolabel in GPP at the Salon des Maires The Helpdesk was present at this big fair for local authorities who can insert environmental considerations in their call for tenders. (more…)

TV broadcast of detergents by EU Ecolabel holder Salveco Report on Salveco on the most watched news programme in France. (more…)

Sharp TVs advertised with the Flower in Finland Big Finnish retailer puts forth Sharp’s EU Ecolabel award. (more…)

Erratum: European Ecolabel award for UPM/Kymmene Please note a change in the number of products for which UPM-Kymmene has been awarded the Flower. (more…� Statistics/New Holders

In January 2007, 10 new companies were awarded with the Flower and 14 holders extended or updated their range of EU Ecolabelled products. (more…)

Agenda and other issues A revision questionnaire is currently open to all stakeholders on the EU Ecolabel scheme. (more…�

FULL ARTICLES

Promotion of the use of the EU Ecolabel in GPP at the Salon des Maires Since 2004, public purchasers have been able to insert environmental considerations (e.g. ecolabel criteria� in their calls for tenders. The EU Ecolabel Helpdesk was therefore present at the 11th edition of the Salon des Maires in Paris on 21-23 November 2006 in order to inform public purchasers on how the EU Ecolabel criteria can be used in green public calls for tenders. The "Salon des Maires et des Collectivités Locales" (Mayors and Local Authorities Fair� is the yearly meeting place of local authorities (visitors� and their suppliers (exhibitors�. 48 000 people visited the fair this year, 43% of whom were elected representatives and 57% territorial managers and local authorities’ service providers. The areas dedicated to Energy and Environment were amongst the most visited ones. The Helpdesk was present at the stand of Novamex, the only EU Ecolabel holder present on the fair, displaying a poster with the slogan “Acheter éco-responsable, c’est facile avec la Fleur !" (“GPP is

easy with the Flower!”� and handing out GPP leaflets. A conference on the use of EU Ecolabelled criteria in public calls for tenders (“Green procurement in practice. How to insert the EU Ecolabel criteria in a call for tenders?”� was organised by the Helpdesk in partnership with Novamex on 23rd November. Generally speaking, all the visitors were interested in ecology, sustainable development or Agenda 21. Discussions with stakeholders, as well as the observation of the number of exhibitors in the Environment section of the fair, confirm that public administrations' and local authorities' interest in environmental matters is increasing in France.

The GPP poster printed for the occasion Ms Géraldine Séjourné, marketing manager of Novamew,

and Mr Michel Leuthy, Director of Novamex, in discussion with a visitor.

More information can be found at www.salondesmaires.com

TV broadcast on detergents by EU Ecolabel holder Salveco

The detergents of EU Ecolabel holder Salveco were the object of a news story broadcast on the most watched television news programme in France on 28 November 2006. Their Atout Vert range of products, designed for a professional use, generated great interest among the journalists who came to visit their offices. Link to the TV news programme: http://tf1.lci.fr/infos/jt/0,,3361420,00-journal-televise-novembre-2006-20h-.html

Sharp TVs advertised with the Flower in Finland In Finland, the major home electronics retailer GIGANTTI is marketing the EU Flower very visibly by widely promoting the EU Ecolabelled products it sells. For example, on the Gigantti web site, Sharp 26" and 32" LCD TVs are marketed with a large EU Flower logo.

Erratum: EU Ecolabel award for UPM/Kymmene in Finland Last October, UPM-Kymmene was awarded the Flower for 20 cutsize products, 9 envelope products, and 6 preprint products, all in the copying and graphic paper product group. These products are produced in Finland, France and Germany.

Statistics/New Holders In January 2007, 10 new companies were awarded with the Flower and 14 holders extended their range or updated their references. This corresponds to a total of 102 new products!

All purpose and sanitary cleaners: Quimicas del Vinalopo (ES�, Lobial (FR� extension, Auchan (FR�, Chimiotechnic (FR� extension, Salveco (FR� extension/renewal, Spado (FR� extension, Novamex (FR� extension/renewal

Camp sites: Paradise Garden Camping Kaumberg (AT�, Camping Altgarge (DE�, Camping Stadtwaldsee (DE�, Höhencampingplatz Königskanzel (DE�, Naturcamping Langenwald (DE�

Camping Altgarge Paradise Garden Camping Kaumberg

Hand dishwashing detergents: Auchan (FR�, Chimiotechnic (FR� extension, Salveco (FR� extension, Lobial (FR� extension, Novamex (FR� extension

Indoor paints and varnishes: Allios (FR�, Berling (GR� extension, Carmyco (GR� extension/change trade names, Somefor (FR� extension, V33 (FR� extension, Materis (FR� extension, Blanchon (FR� extension, Pinturas Monto (ES� change trade names, Brunel Chimies Dérivés (FR�

Laundry detergents: Chimiotechnic (FR� extension, Salveco (FR� extension, Lobial (FR�, Auchan (FR�

Textiles: VDS (FR� change names

Detergents for dishwashers: Linossier (FR� extension

Tissue paper: Dalle Hygiène Kartogroup (FR� extension

Agenda and other issues The Flower will again be present at numerous fairs and events in 2007. Please find below the next fairs scheduled at the beginning of the year:

- 17th Reisepavillon Hannover on 2/4 February 2007: this is a fair for alternative travel, 300 operators from 30 countries show sustainable ways to the pleasures of travel.

http://www.reisepavillon-online.de/

/ Reisemesse Essen on 21/25 February 2007: this fair is dedicated to camping.

http://www.reise-camping.de/

- The European Ecolabel will have a stand at the Europropre fair in Paris on 27/29 March. This international trade fair is dedicated to hygiene and property, thus detergents.


- The French CB, AFNOR, will have a stand at Ecorismo on 13/14 March in Arles (south of France�. ECORISMO is the first trade fair and forum on eco-products and environmental solutions for the hospitality business (hotel, camping, catering…� and tourism industries.


- At the ITB Berlin on 7/11 March 2007, the Flower for tourist accommodations will be promoted.


The process of the revision of the EU Ecolabel scheme is currently going on. As part of the process, a revision questionnaire open to all stakeholders has been issued. It is available at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/consultation_en.htm. The deadline for responses is march 2nd. Please note that you only have 90 minutes to fill in the questionnaire before your session 'times out', so it may be an idea to look through it first, and then start the session again before completing the form.

Click HERE to subscribe via e-mail with subject 'SUBSCRIBE EU Ecolabel News Alert'. To unsubscribe via e-mail with subject 'REMOVE EU Ecolabel News Alert', click HERE.

February, 2007 Issue 14 More information Green Store Contact Subscribe

IN THIS ISSUE

Revision of the Scheme Two days are left to fill in the revision questionnaire! (more…)

Promotion of the EU Ecolabel in Estonia in 2006 Results of the project carried out through 2006 in Estonia. (more…)

Workshop on the Flower for tourist accommodation in Latvia Following the interest arisen during the Flower Week, different workshops are planned. (more…)

Enthusiasm in Romania for the Flower Following its recent adhesion to the European union, the European Ecolabel is recognised in Romania as an important instrument for companies and consumers. (more…� Statistics/New Holders

In February 2007, 16 new companies were awarded with the Flower, 17 holders extended their

range. (more…�

Agenda APAT was present at BIT Milan in February. Other fairs are planned throughout the year. See the next ones. (more…�

FULL ARTICLES

Revision of the Scheme The process of revising the EU Ecolabel scheme is currently underway. As part of the process, a revision questionnaire has been issued that all stakeholders are invited to complete. It is available at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/consultation_en.htm. The deadline for responses is 2nd March. Please note that you only have 90 minutes to fill in the questionnaire before your session "times out", so it may be an idea to look through it first, and then start the session again before completing the form.

Promotion of the EU Ecolabel in Estonia in 2006

In order to promote the EU Ecolabel, in 2006, the Ministry of the Environment in Estonia initiated a project entitled “Application of the Community eco-label in Estonia”. This project was carried out within seven months (from March to September 2006� and was directed at producers. Its purpose was to analyse whether products of Estonian producers comply with the ecological criteria and if producers were ready to apply for the Flower and to develop sustainable production and consumption. The project was carried out in cooperation with the Stockholm Environment Institute

Tallinn Centre (SEI-Tallinn�, the Estonia Ministry of the Environment and the Estonian Environment Information Centre (Estonian competent body�. Three companies from different sectors participated in the project: Estko Ltd whose main activity is the production of efficient and environmentally-friendly cleaners for agriculture and the food industry. Assessment was done for a hand dishwashing detergent. Eskaro Ltd, producer of paints, varnishes, putties, wood protectors, glues and other products. Their products had to meet the requirements for indoor paints and varnishes. Soomaa Hostel, located in the village of Jõesuu, gateway to Soomaa National Park. The Hostel offers accommodation for nature lovers and outdoor activities all year round. Different guided tours are organized from the hostel. They were assessed under the criteria of the tourist accommodation service product group. With the help of SEI-Tallinn specialists, assessment was carried out to see whether the companies met the criteria. If they didn’t, recommendations were given to improve their products/service. Support was also given to fill in the application forms for the label. The results of the project showed that the companies are almost ready to apply for the Flower. Some changes in their products still have to be made, however, and companies admitted that it is probably easier to develop totally new products which meet the requirement of the ecolabel criteria, than improve the old product. Guidelines were written and published last year in Estonia based on the results of the project: “The application of the Community eco-label – a guideline for producers”. The Estonian competent body has not received any applications yet, but there is still great interest in the Flower.

Workshop on the Flower for tourist accommodation in Latvia Following the interest arising during the Flower Week in October 2006, a follow-up workshop on Tourist Accommodation Services and the EU Ecolabel was held in Latvia on the 24th November. Participants - mostly operators employed in rural tourism - were introduced to the experience gained by the first two licensees on their way towards the Flower. The Latvian competent body also made a presentation on how to implement ecological criteria. Participants enjoyed the local organic food offered by “Ekovirtuve” during the coffee break (as you know, proposing organic food is one of the optional criteria for the Flower for tourist accommodations!�. A third tourist accommodation has since then been awarded the Flower and another workshop has already been planned for May 2007, with more interested companies. Website of the Latvian competent body: http://www.meteo.lv/public/ekomarkejums.html

Enthusiasm in Romania for the Flower With the recent adhesion to the European Union, Romania has more than ever realized the necessity for a policy of economical development which takes into consideration aspects of sustainability. In the European Ecolabel, the Government has recognized an instrument which can be of help in order to involve entrepreneurs into a strategy that implements European legislation, and at the same time launches them on the European market, and gives a positive signal to Romanian consumers. To this purpose, on February the 26th, a seminar has been organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment of Romania, the newspaper “Reporter Economic” and the Romanian Agency of Environmental Protection. Participants were representatives and stakeholders from the textile, chemical and IT industry, consumers’ organisations, and the media. After an introduction by Mrs. Sulfina Barbu, Minister of Environment, who underlined the necessity for the country to comply with the EU regulations and the important opportunity offered by instruments like the Flower, Mrs. Dana Toma, responsible of the Competent Body for the EU Ecolabel in Romania, explained the requirements and advantages of the certification for the Romanian market. Mrs. Dagmar Diwok illustrated the activities of implementation and dissemination of the Scheme from the side of the European Commission. Further speakers from different sectors of both the institutional and entrepreneurial level discussed the possibility to use it as a true “passport for Europe for Romanian products and services”.

The interest from public and media was very high, and further initiatives are already being planned in order to support the firms who want to apply for the European Ecolabel. Among others a seminar is planned on the 15th and 16th of March, again in Bucharest.

Mrs. Dana Toma from the Competent Body and Mrs Dagmar Diwok

Poster publicizing products with the EU-Ecolabel in Romanian language, part of the documentation given to the participants at the seminar, which also included info sheets about the criteria for the certification and regarding the application process, and information for consumers.

The full program of the seminar is visible on the website of the Romanian Ministry of Environment http://www.mmediu.ro/presa/23.02.07a.pdf (in Romanian language�.

Statistics/New Holders In February 2007, 16 new companies were awarded with the Flower, 17 holders extended their range or updated their references and 2 holders renewed their licence.

All purpose and sanitary cleaners: Kemika SpA (IT� extension, Werner & Mertz (DE� extension,Tana Chemie GmbH (DE� extension, A&B Laboratorios de Biotecnologia SA (ES�, Salveco (FR� extension, DALLI (FR� extension, Chimiotechnic (FR� extension

Tourist accommodations: Gîte du Charron (CH�, Sporthotel Zaton (CZ�, Centro Didattica Ambientale (IT�, Agriturismo Bio Farm Cucchi (IT�, Pineta Hotels Villaggio Albergo (IT�, Hotel Caprice (IT�, Grand Hotel Masseria Santa Lucia (IT�, Laumas Ltd (LV�

Sporthotel Zaton

Laumas

Gîte du Charron

Camp sites: Campeggio Arco Prabi (IT�, Campingplatz Holmernhof (DE�n Camping Berau am Wolfgangsee (AT�

Holmernhof Camping Berau am wolfgangsee

Hand dishwashing detergents: Tana Chemie GmbH (DE� extension, Chimiotechnic (FR� extension

Indoor paints and varnishes: Alcro-Beckers (SE� extension, Materis Paints Italia (IT� change trade names and extension, Jotun AS (NO�, Pinturas Dyrup (ES�

Laundry detergents: McBride SpA (IT� extension, LOBIAL (FR� extension

Textiles: Nile Linen Group (DK�

Detergents for dishwashers: Chimiotechnic (FR� extension, McBride SpA (IT� renewal and extension, Linossier (FR� extension

Tissue paper : SCA Hygiene Products AB (SE� extension, Georgia Pacific Italia Srl (IT� renewal, Dalle Hygiène Kartogroup (FR� extension

Copying and graphic paper : UPM Kymmene (FI � extension, Vipap Videm Krsko (SI�, Fedrigoni Cartiere SpA (IT� extension

Televisions: Sharp Electronica Espana (ES� extension

Agenda and other issues

- The French CB, AFNOR, will have a stand at Ecorismo on 13-14 March in Arles (south of France�. ECORISMO is the first trade fair and forum on eco-products and environmental solutions for the hospitality business (hotel, camping, catering…� and tourism industries.


- At the ITB Berlin on 7-11 March 2007, the Flower for tourist accommodations will be promoted.


- APAT, the Italian Competent Body, was present at BIT Milan on 22-25 February, one of the biggest international trade fairs on tourism, to promote the EU Ecolabel.

- The European Ecolabel will have a stand at the Europropre fair in Paris on 27-29 March. This international trade fair is dedicated to hygiene and property, thus detergents.


Click HERE to subscribe via e-mail with subject 'SUBSCRIBE EU Ecolabel News Alert'. To unsubscribe via e-mail with subject 'REMOVE EU Ecolabel News Alert', click HERE.


March 2007

APPENDIX III: SOAPS & SHAMPOOS DRAFT FACT SHEET AND PRODUCT GROUP PAGE

Consumers are today more sensitive to the protection of the environment. Four out of

five European consumers would like to buy more environmentally friendly products,

provided they are properly certified by an independent organisation.

With the Flower on your products you offer them a reliable guide to easily identify the

good environmental performers available on the market.

Give your soaps and shampoos a credible sign of Environmental Excellence...Apply for the Flower!

For a quick test use the check list on the back

The European Eco-label for Soaps, Shampoos and Hair conditioners-

"The official EU mark for Greener Products"

For more information… … on the scheme, its feature, the actors involved, the

application process…http://ec.europa.eu/ecolabel

… on the "Soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners" product group: detailed criteria, date of revision…

http://ec.europa.eu/ecolabelChoose "product groups" on the menu on the left

They said it!XX to be included

Meet your customers' demand

If you want to show your commitment to a better environment:

Choose the Flower for your Soaps and shampoos Once it's on your products, the Flower guarantees:

Reduction or prevention of the risks for the environment and for human health related to the use of hazardous substances

Limited use of substances harmful to the aquatic environment

Increased biodegradability

Reduction of packaging waste

It can be awarded to any rinse-off substance and preparation intended to be placed in contact with the epidermis and the hair system with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them. Any rinse-off substance and preparation intended to be placed in contact with the hair system with a view to improve the condition of the hair are also included.

Manufacturing(formulation)

Safety of the product

The product shall not be classified with any of the following risk phrases according to Directive 67/548/EEC: R50-53, R51-53, and R52-53.Rubbing/abrasive agents in hand cleaning agents are not included. No constituent substance must be classified as carcinogenic (Carc), mutagenic (Mut) or toxic to reproduction (Rep) including rules for self-classification class III. Fragrances must have been manufactured, handled and applied following the code of practice of the International Fragrance Association. Preservatives must not release substances classified as carcinogenic (Carc), mutagenic (Mut) or toxic to reproduction (Rep) including rules for self-classification class III. Additives contained in packaging must:- not release substances classified as carcinogenic (Carc), mutagenic (Mut) or toxic to reproduction (Rep) including rules for self-classification class III.- not be based on Cd or Hg or compounds with these elements.

End of life Limitation of packaging waste

Weight/Content Relationship < 0.30 g of packagaing /g of product. Plastic parts in the primary packaging shall be marked according to DIN 6120, Part 2 or the equivalent. Caps and pumps are exempted from this requirement.

End of life Limitation of the use of substances harmful for the aquatic environment

Critical Dilution Volume toxicity (CDVtox): - Shampoo, shower products and liquid soaps: CDVtox < 20 000 l/functional unit (f.u. = 1 g of Active Content. AC = weight of organic ingredients in the product calculated on the basis of the complete formulation of the product. Rubbing/abrasive agents in hand cleaning agents are not included in the calculation of AC). - Solid soaps: CDVtox < 3500 l/f.u. - Conditioner: CDVtox < 30 000 l/f.u. Each surfactant shall be readily biodegradable. Content of ingredients exceeding 0.010% by weight of the product and not readily biodegradable (or which have not been tested for aerobic biodegradability): - Shampoo, shower products and liquid soaps: < 30 mg/f.u. - Solid soaps: < 15 mg/f.u. - Conditioner: < 50 mg/f.u.Rubbing/abrasive agents in hand cleaning agents are not included. Content of ingredients not anaerobically biodegradable (or which have not been tested for anaerobic biodegradability) and having a lowest acute toxicity LC50 or EC50 < 100 mg/l: - Shampoo, shower products and liquid soaps: < 25 mg/f.u. - Solid soaps: < 15 mg/f.u. - Conditioner: < 50mg/f.u.Rubbing/abrasive agents in hand cleaning agents are not included. No APEOs and other alkyl phenol derivatives, NTA, boric acids, borates and perborates, nitromusks and polycyclic musks. EDTA and its salts and non-readily biodegradable phosphonates may only be added to solid soaps and ≤ 0.6 mg/f.u.. Some biocides to preserve the product are allowed, only in the appropriate dosage and if not potentially bio-accumulating. Organic dyes or colouring agents must not be potentially bio-accumulating.

Use Performance and durability criteria

The product’s fitness for use must be demonstrated either through laboratory test(s) or a consumer test. The packaging must be designed to make correct dosage easy, e.g. by ensuring that the opening at the top is not too wide.

Your Competent Body will inform you which assessment and verification documents are required (e.g. declarations of compliance, MSDS of ingredients), which test results must be provided and how the testing should be carried out (external test laboratories).

Expectations Life Cycle Step

Check-list (for a first assessment only)

Criterion

European Commission

To market your eco-labelled products use our free Green Store:http://www.eco-label.com


March 2007

Product categories

Soaps and shampoos

Print

The on soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners tells you…

Back

• The product has a reduced impact on the aquatic environment.

• The product does not contain certain dangerous substances.

• The product is largely biodegradable.

• The product limits packaging waste.

• The product is guaranteed to perform at least as effectively as conventional

products.


March 2007

APPENDIX IV: MINUTES OF THE MMG MEETING OF 12 DECEMBER 2006

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The European Eco-labelling Board

Marketing Management Group

Tuesday 12 December 2006, 10:00-16:30

Brussels BU5 - C

Minutes

Participants: ALANI Roberta APAT – Italy +39 06 5007 2274 [email protected] ATAUGA Rasa LEGMA – CB in Latvia +37 1 7032016 [email protected]

B. ESKELAND Marianne Ecolabelling Norway +47 24 144609 [email protected]

BURGALASSI David UEAPME +32 2 28 50 716 [email protected] CALVO Javier EURO COOP +32 2 285 50 74 [email protected] COX Charles DEFRA +44 207 082 8672 [email protected] DES ABBAYES Cécile Helpdesk +33 1 56 20 28 98 [email protected]

DUCHATELLE Joël AFAQ AFNOR Certification +33 1 41 62 83 29 [email protected]

HAJEK Daniel Ministry of the Environment, Czech Republic

+420 267 122 489 [email protected]

LEOMAR Hedi EEIC (Estonia) +372 673 7596 [email protected] LOEWE Christian FEA, Germany +49 340 2103 3025 [email protected]

LUKOVICAKI Zsuzsanna FEA +36 30 91 32 258 [email protected]

MARINUCCI Nicola DG ENV MINESTRINI Stefania APAT +390650072231 [email protected] NYQVIST-KUUSOLA

Leena SFS Ecolabelling +358 9 14993391 [email protected]

PETROVA Adela CEA +420 267 225 289 [email protected] PROIA Patricia AFAQ AFNOR Certification +33 1 41 62 86 10 [email protected] RAIFRID Petr Czech Ecolabelling Agency +420 26 22 52 69 [email protected] SAHLEN Kerstin SIS Ecolabelling +46 8 5555 2406 [email protected]

TKACZYK Joanna Polish Centre for Testing & Certification

+48 22 46 45 208 [email protected]

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10:00 – 13:00 Morning session

The Chair, Mrs Stefania Minestrini from APAT, opened the meeting and the agenda was adopted.

Adoption of September minutes

September minutes were adopted without change.

Presentation by Member States on the results of Flo wer Week 2006 (CBs)

Finland Finland focused activities on lubricants, paints and varnishes and textiles. Various supports were produced including posters, flyers, attention makers, brochures and wobblers promoting the Flower and attracting attention to the Flower-labelled products. A fashion show took place on 13 October in cooperation with Anne Linnonmaa and ecological fashion textiles were promoted in their 150 retail outlets. H&M promoted its eco-labelled baby clothes.

Interviews and articles have been put on the CB website.

Finland also carried out an awareness study which showed a 26% recognition level for the Eco-label – the same result as flagged in 2005.

Norway mentioned that though they did not participate in the Flower Week 2006, they did some promotion of flower-labelled textiles, in the framework of their general campaign for the promotion of Swan and Flower-labelled products targeting children and families.

Sweden did not participate in the Flower Week, but promoted the Flower with the Swan, as part of their usual activities. They announced they just hired a person employed for marketing matters, but it is unclear whether anything can be planned for 2007.

Estonia did not participate in the Flower Week, but did some marketing activities: a seminar in September, which was part of a project with 3 pilot companies. In this framework, they produced a brochure, released articles, and made a handbook for enterprises. The participation in the 2007 Flower Week is unsure, but Estonia hopes they will be able to work with laboratories and consumer organisations. The main promotion activities in the Czech Republic focused on the Eco-Film festival in South Bohemia, and some workshops for the general public and tourist accommodation and camp sites owners. This resulted in 2 more applicants for these product groups, and an award to a camp site the week before the MMG meeting. They also did press activities: a press release, a radio interview, and an award ceremony for a textile company. The web site was updated, and an informative email about the Flower was sent to 100 holders of the national label and teachers. The representative of EURO COOP mentioned that Italian and Danish members participated in the Flower Week and will also take part next year. Germany was not involved in the Flower Week, but took part in activities together with the team awarded the contract for the “Marketing of the Eco-label for Products” to promote the Flower for TVs at an international electronics fair with Sharp. There was a quiz game and a small event to give an EU eco-labelled TV to the winner. Next year, Germany suggests

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focusing on camp sites because the NGO Eco-Camping is very enthusiastic about promoting the label. They will be present in 2 or 3 big camping fairs. This activity will be supported by the German government, as they have more budget for the promotion of the Flower. Germany is also thinking about creating a specific web site about the EU Eco-label. Poland organised the Quality and Flower weeks together. The main event was a big conference, where more than 400 people participated. There were presentations about the Flower and GPP. An award ceremony to the first EU eco-labelled hotel took place in the framework of the conference. Also articles were released in newspapers about GPP and the Ecolabel. Moreover, the Polish CB participated in a fair called “Polish Eko” in Poznan. They hope to see more focus on promotion activities next year. France has been promoting the national and European eco-labels together since 2005. This year the campaign took place between September and December. Different actions were carried out in collaboration with retailers (Carrefour in December, Monoprix in September, etc.) They worked with Carrefour, Auchan, Monoprix, Cora, Intermarché, representing a total of more than 500 stores. The French CB provided retailers with CD-Roms containing print files of the marketing tools (leaflets, posters, trolley posters…). They participated in different fairs, like Ecobuilding, Equiphotel, Pollutec, where they promoted the 2 labels. At the Equiphotel Fair, the French CB animated a conference about the Flower for tourist accommodation. At the Pollutec Fair, there was an area dedicated to sustainable development, where AFNOR had a stand dedicated to eco-labels. Also before the end of this year, the French CB will send a mailing to 4000 3* tourist accommodations, to inform them about the Flower and propose holding workshops. Next year the campaign will be repeated, and a specific web site www.ecolabel.fr will be created, about the national and European eco-labels, providing tools for sales people, for the press and marketing people. Also France intends to organise an event for Flower-labelled tourist accommodation next year, as they plan to have more than 30 tourist accommodations awarded the Flower by September / October 2007. France is also thinking about creating an Eco-label prize, with a jury of journalists and consumers. This prize would be awarded to the producer which had for example the most environmentally-friendly packaging. Moreover, they are considering participating in the Europropre Fair to promote EU Eco-labelled detergents. And, of course, they will continue the campaign with retailers. Answering questions from the Chair and Germany, France specified that the 2006 campaign did not focus on any specific product group, and that it is difficult to schedule when the 2007 campaign will take place, as this is dependent on the date the Ministry will launch the call for tender. The UK did not participate in the Flower Week, but there were 3 awards for tourist accommodation in Northern Ireland, as part of the Green Box scheme. Next year, 2 companies which manufacture cleaning products for supermarkets’ own brands should be awarded the Ecolabel. They also learned that a retail chain of DIY products is interested in the label. Their 2007 promotion plan will be linked to the wish for promotion activities from holders and retailers, and the available budget. Latvia made a presentation about their activities in the framework of the 2006 Flower Week. The CB highlighted the fact that they found the application process quite complicated, and difficult to handle. Also some holders complained about the bureaucratic aspects of the Flower. Germany asked whether Latvia needs some material or management support. Latvia answered that consultants would help, but they are expensive. However hotel owners know their accommodation better than anyone, so in any case they have to work on the application by themselves. Some attendees to the meeting said they felt they could get the label, but were reluctant to apply because of the bureaucratic aspects. Italy mentioned that they help applicants, as there are local authorities more and more aware of the Flower, which are willing to support companies in the application process and are thus financing 50-60% of expenses from consultancies, etc. So the company is helped by consultants as regards documentation, the choice of facultative criteria, etc. On the other hand, the regional agencies are giving support to interested tourist accommodations, by

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giving advice on how to fulfil the criteria. This helped companies a lot, so that today it is easy for them to follow the application process. It is true that the documentation needed for the Flower application may be extensive, but on the other hand some criteria are facultative, and this should be explained to the applicants. It was also mentioned that the more CBs gain experience with applications for the Flower, the easier these procedures become. France confirmed this latest remark from Italy, and said the results of the SHMILE project, which include among others a tool to help tourist accommodations to apply for the Flower, should be interesting for Latvia. Latvia proposed to create a TV spot for all MS for the 15th anniversary of The Flower. Italy presented the national 2006 Flower Week campaign, which was similar in many aspects to the 2004 campaign, i.e. focused on retailers, ambassadors, school and press activities. The difference, however, is a higher involvement of consumer associations, as the 3 main Italian associations contributed to the campaign. There are more than 1000 eco-labelled products available in the stores now and the Italian CB thinks that consumers will now be the key stakeholders to involve for the promotion of the Flower. There was also a higher number of participating retailers: in addition to COOP, already present for the 2004 campaign (Esselunga and Carrefour). Esselunga made a very nice campaign. Not only did they put the products in evidence in supermarkets, they made also a radio campaign. Both Esselunga and Coop made discounts for eco-labelled products (10% for COOP, 20% for Esselunga), which was a very interesting and successful initiative. Other involved stakeholders were ambassadors, i.e. the local environmental protection agencies of 15 out of 21 regions. In 15 Regions one or two events were carried out and in Piemonte, there was one event per day! Piemonte is the most important region where the highest number of licenses is concentrated for the tourist accommodation service and where the promotion of the Flower is stronger. All regional agencies focused on tourist accommodations, camp sites, and school activities. In 2004, school activities targeted pupils. This year professional and tourist schools at university level participated. Also 2 NGOs were associated with the campaign and the web site set up in 2004 was updated, giving a large space to news and links to all participating stakeholders. Finally the press activities resulted in specific articles and a press release. Italy suggested 2 basic indicators to evaluate the results of the national Flower Weeks: first one is for retail activities, the indication of the number of persons circulating in supermarkets. This is data retailers can easily provide. The second one is the number of persons who saw the Flower logo during the campaign. To do so, Italy asked CBs if they have an idea of the corresponding cost. Finland mentioned that they do a survey on the knowledge of the Flower every 2 years. This costs around 1500 euros. Italy asked other Member States if they can use these indicators in their respective countries, for next Flower Week. Another suggestion was to assess the number of units of information material distributed. France said that the survey for consumers is a very good idea, but it may be more expensive in France than in Finland. The French CB also remarked that the number of consumers going to stores during the Flower Week may not be equivalent to the number of consumers who actually see EU eco-labelled products, because it is not sure that they see the promotion material. Also it is difficult to assess the number of distributed leaflets, as it may differ from the number of printed leaflets. Germany said that their experience is that the best performance indicator is an economic indicator, i.e. the increase in the turnover of the product at the point of sale. This kind of performance indicator is the best argument for companies. 20% is enough to convince them to participate in future activities. Latvia suggested inviting consumers to send feedback questionnaires.

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Italy said that France had experience with this kind of activity. They organised an “eco-petition” for the Flower Week 2004, giving hand-outs to people logging on the web site to comment on the Flower. But to do so supportive initiatives to inform people are needed, such as advertising banners on search engines, and it is complicated and costly. This year, Italy did not have enough budget to repeat this kind of activity. In answer to Germany, Italy said that the turnover indicator is very interesting. Coop communicated that the turnover of eco-labelled products increased by 110% during the Flower Week. The French CB said that in France, retailers will never give their turnover. But producers provide data about the sales of products labelled with retailers’ brands, so the increase in the sales at retail shops can easily be calculated. Germany said that retailers are willing to provide their relative turnover, but not their absolute turnover. Another indicator is retail staff education. In Germany today, many retailers are interested in differentiating themselves from competitors thanks to environmental arguments provided by the staff at the point of sale.

The Group adopted the indicator of increase in the turnover of EU eco-labelled products at participating point of sales for the measurement of the success of retailers-related Flower Week activities. The Chair invited Finland to provide more information on their consumer survey, and said the issue on indicators to assess the results of Flower Weeks will be further discussed during next MMG meeting.

Flower Week 2007: timing, participants, retailers, targets and ideas

The Chair underlined the importance of that all CBs agree that, from a communication point of view, the impact of the campaign will be more significant if MSs coordinate their activities. She asked if the EC can support to the Flower Week 2007, financially or materially, and if the Helpdesk can help. She asked CBs if the campaign can be repeated in October 2007, as it seems to be a good period, for tourist accommodations, and also considering budget constraints. France remarked that retailers present at the MMG meeting of April said that October is not a good period. Carrefour and Auchan said it is better at the beginning of September, for the “back to school” period. It is important to take retailers’ opinion into account, or else they may be discouraged in participating in the Flower initiatives. The Chair said that if CBs ask retailers which their preferred period is, answers will be different. It is better to send a proposed time-frame. The Commission said that all prints and hand-outs will have to be ready in May if the campaign starts in September, and this will be difficult. The Chair proposed to have the campaign lasting one month instead of a week, starting from 15th September to 15th October. CBs agreed the proposal made by the Chair and to submit also to retailers the idea of having a Flower month, from mid-September to mid-October. The discussion on the Flower Week 2007 was momentarily suspended, so that Denmark could present the results of their 2006 Flower Week. They focused on babies, with the slogan “on our toes for you and your baby”. They worked in close collaboration with supermarkets. For example they produced signs which had the Swan and/or the Flower on one side, and on the other retailers’ eco-labelled products. Thus retailers felt ownership of the campaign. They also worked with local authorities, launched a contest on the campaign site, with eco-labelled prizes. The qualified knowledge of the Flower was 36% after the campaign, measured thanks to an internet-based panel, conducted by a professional institute. The level of satisfaction of local authorities was measured thanks to a questionnaire where they had to rank their level of satisfaction from 1 to 4. The average answer was 3.5.

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Germany remarked that the Group is now experiencing multi-channelling and cross-marketing issues, and said it makes no sense any more to have a single level of communication. CBs should combine products within the same recognition by consumers, for example baby phones and batteries. This kind of cross-marketing could be a new way to get collaboration from companies and retailers. Also the Group should consider the increase of online shopping: advertising online is not enough. It could be interesting to display Ecolabel information on the Net, as people first check information on the Internet before buying products. If they see information both on the Internet and in the shop, then they will buy products. Answering a question from Latvia, Denmark said that there were 3 people working internally on the campaign + an advertising agency + another agency helping them to communicate to the local partners. It was a relatively expensive campaign. Back to the discussion on the Flower Week 2007, regarding potential participants:

- France said that they will do a campaign, but the timing depends on the Ministry. - Latvia said the issue is under discussion, but is quite convinced they will do

something. - UK said they will take a decision once they know the number of interested licensees

and retailers and the available budget. - Poland said they would participate. - Germany mentioned their participation has to be decided by the Ministry. It was

pointed out that there are European-wide green food and fair trades in September and October, so CBs should check they do not compete with the Flower Week.

- Denmark will participate. - Czech Republic too. - Estonia did not know yet. - Sweden will put the question forward. - So will Norway. - Finland will discuss this issue the week after the MMG meeting.

The Chair said that this question will also be asked to countries not present at the meeting, e.g. the Netherlands, Portugal, etc. Regarding targets, Italy will keep retailers activities, school and press activities. Denmark and Italy made promotional videos for their campaign, for respectively 10 000 and 5000 euros. The Chair suggested that the Helpdesk does a feasibility study on producing a video common to all Member States for the Flower Week 2007. Germany supported this suggestion. The Chair proposed to have again the common slogan “the Flower makes it easy to choose green”. France remarked they do not use the Flower Week toolbox, as French retailers don’t like it. The Helpdesk will discuss this proposal with the Commission.

Helpdesk’s 2006 achievements

The Helpdesk made a presentation on their 2006 achievements.

It was decided that the email sent to new holders to provide them with their username and password to update their information on the e-catalogue would be sent with CBs in copy, except Italy. Also it was decided that from now on the EU Eco-label News Alert would be sent to all CBs and holders.

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14:00 – 16:30 Afternoon session

Presentation of 2006 results of Eco-label Lot 7 – M arketing of products

Andreas Scherlofsky, team leader, presented the results of the Project ”Marketing for Products”. Answering questions from Norway, Mr. Scherlofsky said roll-ups would be produced for all participating countries, and the total budget of the project was 185 000 euros. Germany said that as compared to his first eco-label meeting in 1999, there are good improvements in the marketing approach. He questioned whether the combination of national, sectoral and EU-wide approaches was not too complicated. A much more focused marketing approach is much more successful in terms of visibility. He asked how these different marketing approaches can be linked with umbrella campaigns, such as the Danish one, which is more on emotional issues? Mr. Scherlofsky said that this combination of national, sectoral and EU-wide approaches is a good combination. In some cases, it is relevant to focus on a country, as the market is national, e.g. detergents, whether for other product groups such as electric and electronic appliances, the market is European or international, so it is better to focus on big European companies. He added this kind of approach is also relevant, considering the budget constraints.

Presentation of 2006 results of Eco-label Lot 8 – M arketing of products

Ernst Leitner, team leader, presented the results of the Project ”Marketing for Services”. Answering questions from CBs, he said the “Where-to-Stay” guide is regularly updated, and the current version is put online the web site www.eco-label-tourism.com. He cannot provide CBs with printed copies, however he can send them files where they can directly translate the text, and then print them. The total budget of the project was 100 000 euros for 10 covered countries. Germany asked whether it would be possible to create links between this kind of project and initiatives launched in Northern African countries for the promotion of sustainable tourism. The Flower is seen as a global benchmark for sustainable tourism. They have a task force in Germany for cooperation with Africa. He asked if the EC could organise a workshop between the French Task Force, the German one and the European one. Mr. Leitner said a first step would be to work with tour operators. The Commission said they need coordination between the different DGs working on this issue first.

Presentation of the results of the Shmile project

Mrs Daniela Sanna did a presentation on the Shmile project, a LIFE project about sustainable hotels in the Mediterranean area. She especially presented a CD-Rom containing a tool helping hotels assess their position regarding the Flower criteria and comply with them.

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Latvia said these are very interesting tools, and asked if they would be adapted to other countries. Mrs Sanna said that all tools aim at being disseminated at EU level. There is no dissemination budget, but all tools are available in electronic format, so they are easy to download. The role of each CB is to help accommodations understand how they can use the tools. France added that it is a very interesting tool, and that from the beginning of the project, tourist accommodations were very enthusiastic about it.

Any other business

Update on the market penetration indicators Concerning the indicator for assessing the market penetration on the supply side, number of eco-labelled products sold/ number of product sold for different product groups, the European Commission said that Eurostat would not be able to give any concrete feedback on the possibility of using their Prodcom database to build the indicator before April meeting so it was decided to come back to these issues for next meeting.

Update on Eurobarometer survey The Commission said that the company TNS Opinion made a survey in the 25 MSs, during the week of the 6th of November. Results should be available by Christmas. The questions asked were “Have you ever seen this label”? (showing the Flower logo), “Do you know what it means?”, and “Can you tell me what it means?” (open question). There was no specific target group, a very wide population was surveyed. Results will be available for next meeting. Other pending issues The Chair suggested another indicator on the supply side, at micro-level: the ratio of eco-labelled products amongst the total number of articles produced of a given company (for one given product group). France said it is interesting for them to know the approach of a company (e.g. 100% eco-labelled products versus 1%) and see how the rate increases. However she said it is not an indicator of market penetration. The Czech Republic announced the setting up of a working group dedicated to sustainable tourism. The members of the Group are Ministries, NGOs, universities and professional organisations. All these members decided to promote the Flower as a basis for this system. This corresponds to a budget of more than 1 000 000 € to support the Flower. The Chair and the European Commission welcomed this interesting initiative, and asked how the budget will be used. The Czech Republic said this would be decided as an Action Plan during next meeting of the Group.

The Chair thanked everybody for their contribution and closed the meeting.

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Follow-up: Task Actor Deadline Minutes Helpdesk For next meeting Prepare the next meeting Chair, Helpdesk, EC For next meeting Communicate on next Flower Week campaign participation

CBs For next meeting

Ask retailers if the scheduled 2007 Flower Week period (mid-September – Mid-October) is convenient to them


Comments on market penetration indicator at micro-level suggested by the Chair



March 2007

APPENDIX V: DRAFT AGENDA FOR MMG MEETING OF 24 APRIL 2007

The European Eco-labelling Board Marketing Management Group

Tuesday 24 April 2007, 14:00 – 17:00

Brussels BU5 - C Draft Agenda

Adoption of December minutes Presentation of the new members: Romanian and Bulgarian CBs, Blanca Morales from BEUC/EEB, Rosita Zili from Eurocoop, Paula Gomes for the Portuguese CB Update on the Flower Week 2007 - confirmation of the timing: mid-September to mid-October - participants - activities planned by each Member State (including participating retailers, NGOs…) (short presentation by each participating MS) Advice on the type of market penetration indicator that should be used for the EU Ecolabel in the MSs (Laure Ledoux, EC, Eurostat) Comments on the results of the Eurobarometer Survey done end 2006 and discussion on a new version of the Flower logo Any other business

- Other pending issues

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