ISO has published a new version of ISO 14021 to guide companies on the claims they are making about the environmental credentials of their products.
The standard, which replaces a version dating from 1999, covers all voluntary environmental claims made by companies on packaging, in advertisements, on the internet or in trade reports.
14021 provides a list of general requirements to be followed when using the standard, defines terms commonly used in environmental claims, and describes a general evaluation and verification methodology.
ISO hopes it will prevent unwarranted environmental claims, reduce marketplace confusion, facilitate international trade and increase opportunities for purchasers and product users to make more informed choices.
‘14021: 2016 is a very important document as it provides guidance to any business wishing to make an environmental claim, but not willing or able to take on the cost or process of going through a third-party programme,’ said Jenny Hillard, a member of ISO’s subcommittee on environmental labelling. ‘This applies particularly to SMEs and companies in developing countries wishing to export their goods.’
