ISO 14021:2016 standard
The ISO 14021:2016 standard concerns environmental self-declarations made by companies for their products1. These declarations are made by manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers without third-party certification. Self-declarations are not limited to labeling but also include environmental claims communicated through advertising, publications, the internet, or in commercial reports. These statements can relate to the environmental characteristics and performance of a product.
ISO 14021 standard provides a list of general requirements to be observed for self-declared environmental claims, describes commonly used terms, and provides qualifications for their use. It also outlines a general methodology for assessing and verifying self-declared environmental claims. The assessment methodology used by those making environmental claims must be transparent and documented so that product purchasers can be assured of the validity of such claims.
ISO 14021 is a very important document as it provides guidance to companies intending to make an environmental self-declaration. It is particularly relevant to SMEs and businesses in developing countries that intend to export their products. Among the numerous examples, the best known is the self-declaration of the percentage of recycled material using the "Mobius Loop". The symbol originated in 1985 following the European Packaging Directive 85/339/EEC (now repealed and replaced by Directive 94/62/EC). The symbol standardized by ISO 7000-1135 can be affixed to all recyclable products, and its use is regulated by EN ISO 14021. If a percentage is indicated inside or next to the logo, it represents the percentage by weight of recycled material compared to the total weight.
What does environmental self-declaration mean?
An environmental self-declaration is a statement made by a company regarding the environmental characteristics and performance of a product. These statements are made without the certification of a third-party independent entity. They can be communicated through various channels, such as product labeling, advertising, publications, the internet, or in commercial reports. ISO 14021 provides guidelines on how these self-declarations should be formulated and verified.
How does third-party independent certification work?
Third-party independent certification means that an independent organization has examined the production process of a product and independently determined that the final product meets specific safety, quality, or performance standards. This review typically includes a comprehensive review of formulation/materials, testing, and facility inspections.
Third-party certification is issued to an individual, a company, or a product depending on the nature of the scheme. Schemes are defined, administered, and audited by professional organizations and experienced regulatory bodies (an accreditation body) such as Accredia for Italy. Most certified products bear the certifier's mark on their packaging to help consumers and other buyers make informed purchasing decisions. For example, the FSC mark is recognized by regulatory agencies at local, state, federal, and international levels, demonstrating that a product or service meets all standard requirements.
Organizations use certification bodies to obtain independent recognition. Independent recognition is increasingly important in a globalized world where potential customers are unable to visit potential suppliers or service providers on the other side of the world.
