What is BS EN ISO 14021:2012?

BS EN ISO 14021:2012 is an international standard that provides guidelines for self-declared environmental claims. It sets out the principles and requirements for evaluating and communicating environmental information related to products, materials, and services. This standard helps organizations accurately convey their environmental performance and encourages transparency and consistency in environmental claims.

The Scope of BS EN ISO 14021:2012

The scope of BS EN ISO 14021:2012 covers various aspects of environmental claims, including:

Product labeling

Advertisements

Promotional materials

Environmental product declarations

Company websites

This standard applies to consumer products, industrial products, and services, allowing organizations across different sectors to make valid and reliable environmental claims.

Guidelines for Environmental Claims

BS EN ISO 14021:2012 provides specific guidelines for making environmental claims. These guidelines help organizations ensure that their claims are accurate, substantiated, and not misleading to consumers or other stakeholders.

Some key guidelines outlined in this standard include:

Avoidance of vague or general statements without supporting evidence

Clear distinction between types of environmental claims, such as recyclability, recycled content, or carbon footprint

Usage of appropriate terminology and understandable language

Disclosure of any limitations or qualifications related to the claim

Benefits of Implementing BS EN ISO 14021:2012

Implementing BS EN ISO 14021:2012 offers several benefits to organizations:

Enhanced credibility and reputation: Compliance with an international standard demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Improved consumer trust: Accurate and transparent environmental claims help build trust with consumers who are increasingly concerned about sustainability.

Increased market opportunities: Organizations that effectively communicate their environmental performance can attract environmentally conscious customers, gaining a competitive edge.

Reduced legal risks: By following the guidelines of BS EN ISO 14021:2012, organizations avoid greenwashing and misleading claims, reducing the potential for legal and regulatory consequences.

In conclusion, BS EN ISO 14021:2012 provides guidelines for organizations to make reliable and accurate environmental claims. By complying with this standard, organizations can enhance their credibility, improve consumer trust, and seize the opportunities presented by the growing demand for sustainable products and services.