Published : 09/08/2023

What labels should I use for my promotional items?

- Categories : Eco-responsible goodies

In the world of promotional goodies, a number of labels are frequently used, and it's worth taking a closer look at them to make a choice about the product you want to personalize and use in your promotional communications. Labels are often used to show the advantages and qualities of a product, its impact on the environment and to stand out from the competition.

Currently, the most popular labels are those with an environmental meaning.
There are 4 types of label: official labels, collective private labels, non-controlled individual private labels (created by brands) and controlled individual private labels (also created by brands, but more widely recognized by organizations).

The difference between these labels is the level of control. Controls depend on the origin of the label: a European label will not be controlled by the same authorities as a French label.

LABELS TO CERTIFY RAW MATERIALS

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - Wood labels

The FSC mark represents sustainably managed forests. It is very strict in use and is grouped into three standards.

- FSC Mixed a product that combines FSC wood with non-FSC wood from controlled sources. In concrete terms, the product must contain a minimum of 70% FSC-certified fiberwood, with the remaining 30% maximum being FSC-controlled wood.

- FSC Recycled, which means that the wood used has been recycled or can be recycled up to 70% post-consumer.

Ultimately, FSC Recycled-labeled products are made from 100% recycled wood or fiber. It mainly targets paper products and certain solid wood products or panels.

FSC 100% which means that the product is made entirely of wood from an FSC forest. These forests are managed with respect for people, wildlife and the environment.

Highly regulated, independent audits are carried out to verify compliance with FSC forest management principles and criteria.

PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes) - Forest certification

PEFC is an internationally recognized forest certification scheme, created to promote responsible forest management. The program was created in 1999 to help forest owners establish sustainable forest management practices.

Certification is necessary to guarantee that forest products come from responsibly managed forests.

Products from PEFC-certified forests automatically carry an eco-label to show consumers that the product has been produced under sustainable forest management.

European Ecolabel - Paper certification

The Ecolabel EU certifies that the product meets European environmental criteria. It is based on the product's life cycle. Controlled by independent bodies and public authorities, and awarded by the award committees of EU member states.
It covers a wide range of products, including laundry detergents, cleaning products, food and pharmaceuticals .

But also copy paper and graphic paper, which includes sheets or rolls of virgin paper or cardboard, unprinted and unprocessed, whether colored or not, made from pulp and suitable for use in writing or printing or for further processing.

In the case of Marketing Création, the label will be used for goodies containing paper.

OekoTex - International label for textiles

Oeko Text label is an international label for textiles, fabrics, household linen, mattresses and more

This label guarantees that the product contains no (or minute quantities of) products harmful to health or the skin. The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label is also available in 5 other Oeko-tex labels with their own specific features.

This label is valid for 1 year, does not take into account the origin of the textile and does not differentiate between organic and non-organic fabrics. It does, however, prohibit the use of pesticides or heavy metals such as lead or cadmium, and takes into account colorfastness and resistance to washing.

Example of Oeko Tex goodies: T-shirt, Tote bag, plush.

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)

The GOTS label is a worldwide certification for organic fibers such as organic cotton including clothing, hygiene products, toys, accessories, ..

The GOTS label is a benchmark for sustainable and fair textile production. OekoTex, for example, is a label that in no way guarantees that a fiber or finished product is certified organic. The GOTS label is dedicated solely to natural fibers cotton, hemp, silk, wool, linen, etc.

💡Do you know Seaqual®?💡

Seaqual® is a 100% recycled polyester, 10% of which is sourced from ocean waste (fishing nets, plastic bottles recovered from the oceans, etc.). Transformation of ocean plastic waste into material usable by the textile industry.

The waste is collected by fishermen and organizations on the beaches of Europe, around the Mediterranean, and on the west coast of Africa. Seaqual® Yarn is certified GRS (Global Recycled Standard) and Oeko-Tex 100.