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The Importance Of Ecolabels in Sustainable Production and Consumption:
Turkish Environmental Labelling System

problems. This stage involves the noise and waste/water treatment regarding
the selection of raw materials, the use of dangerous chemicals, the use
of energy and natural resources, emissions, health effects, production,
transportation, and final disposal, as the key elements. Possible reuse and
recycling of the product should be taken into account to the same extent its
useful life and repairability is considered.
In the criterion development and revision process where experts from
all Nordic countries are involved, close contacts are made with enterprises
and other stakeholders with relevant knowledge, and existing literature is
evaluated by obtaining support from academic institutions and experts.

3.3. Blue-Angel Eco-Label System
The Blue-Angel Eco-label system was established upon the decision
taken by the Environment Ministers of Federal Germany and is described as
a market-based, voluntary environmental policy tool (BlueAngel, 1978). The
Blue Angel system complies with DIN EN ISO 14024 standard and is a full
member of GEN.
The Blue Angel system is defined as a system with wide participation, trusted
by consumers. It is stated that approximately 20,000 products manufactured
so far by 1600 companies have been awarded (BlueAngel, 2020) with “Blue
Angel” labels (Figure 1), 90% of the consumers are familiar with the “Blue
Angel” label and 23% of them expressed that this label influenced their
choices in purchasing. It is stated that the credibility of this eco-label is a result
of the fact that the label criteria are determined through a transparent process
involving all stakeholders and the criteria are constantly reviewed.
The Blue Angel award is granted by an independent agency named “RAL
gGmbH” together with the main decision-making body “Environmental Label
Jury”. The Environmental Label Jury is an independent decision-making body
and consists of representatives of environmental and consumer organizations,
trade associations, industrial enterprises, local authorities, media, and
scientific organizations (BlueAngel, 2020).
The following topics are taken into consideration in the development of the
criteria (BlueAngel, 2022):
• Protection of natural resources
• Sustainable production of raw materials
• Prevention of pollutants in products
• Reducing emissions of harmful substances to the soil, air, water, and
indoor spaces
• Reduction of noise and electromagnetic radiation

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