The EcoLogo(M)
Program is placing a greater emphasis on its “unannounced” compliance program.
The program makes
sure companies certified by the organization continue to comply with the
criteria and stay current over the term of their license.
The EcoLogo
Program is a leading independent, third party, Green certification
organization. Started in 1988, the program provides incentives for
manufacturers and suppliers to develop environmentally preferable products and
services.
Once a product is
certified by EcoLogo, the manufacturer may place the EcoLogo mark on the
product and use the symbol in marketing materials as well. This helps consumers
identify products and services that have less impact on the environment.
“Our agreement
with participating companies has always allowed us to perform surveillance
audits (as they are called) to make sure a product is still in compliance,”
said Susan Herbert, director of Science and Programs for EcoLogo. “But we are
expanding this program to further help protect consumers, the environment and
the EcoLogo mark.”
According to
Herbert, the expanded audits for the remainder of 2006 and 2007 will cover 11
distinct product categories, including the cleaning and paper industries, 92
different manufacturers and 243 products. Among the items to be investigated
are:
A review of manufacturing records
and processes;
Marketplace samplings of product
analysing for restricted, prohibited and permissible ingredients;
Product testing as to performance
and effectiveness;
Biodegradation of products.
Herbert said that
the program is not being expanded because there has been an increase in
manufacturers failing to stay compliant. Instead, “it’s our job.”
“EcoLogo has
significantly grown in the past couple of years and along with increased
certification must come augmented surveillance,” she said.
Herbert adds most
manufacturers have been very cooperative with the expansion of the program and
understand it is a necessity.
“Many manufacturers
are driven to produce Green products because of customer demand,” she said.
“But interestingly, once they start producing them, they realize the
contribution they are making to the health of their customer and the planet.
Because of this, we have never had a problem with the increased surveillance.”
For more
information, visit www.ecologo.org or
e-mail Susan Herbert at .
