Get certified to meet market demand. earn Green Star points. acess export markets. prove your claims. build customer loyalty. boost investor appeal.
In a market clouded by greenwashing, Eco Choice Aotearoa builds the trust you need with consumers, procurement teams, and export partners.
Our ecolabel authenticates your claims with science-based criteria, independent onsite audits, and clear proof of ongoing improvements.
Ready to demonstrate proof of your sustainable leadership?
What is Eco Choice Aotearoa?
Eco Choice Aotearoa is the country’s official ISO-recognised ecolabel for environmentally preferable products and services. It is a not-for-profit, trademarked by the Ministry for the Environment.
We take a life-cycle approach to certification, looking at everything from raw material sourcing, to production and disposal or reuse. The businesses we work with can ensure their products are safer for people and the planet, without compromising on durability and performance.
Often referred to as a ‘cradle to grave’ approach, the process also helps businesses identify environmental and social hotspots in their value-chains and can inform the redesign or improvement of products and services.
Why get certified with us?
Score higher on Green Star projects because our standards are recognised as “Best Practice” by NZGBC and GBCA.
Stand out to procurement teams during competitive tenders and position your business as the best choice.
Build trust with conscious consumers with an unmatched assurance that your products are walking the talk.
Stay ahead of regulation by complying with our rigorous environmental, social and health standards.
Assure investors that you’re managing risk, meeting ESG expectations, and building a future-ready business.
Unlock international trade opportunities through our ‘sister’ ecolabels and global recognition.
How to apply for certification?
Start by downloading the Certification Guide, which walks you through the what’s involved and outlines our 5-step certification process.
Our team will get in touch with you to discuss your product, costs, eligibility, and what standard or approach is right for you. You can browse our existing standards here.
Once you’re ready, we’ll send you a format application to submit, along with a checklist to help prepare for your third-party onsite audit.
Download Your Certification Guide
Learn more about what’s involved and how to get started on your certification journey.
For more than 30 years, Eco Choice Aotearoa has proudly certified thousands of products and services made by New Zealand businesses.
This (Eco Choice) wasn't a wooly, fluffy endorsement scheme. This was technically sound, solid, and rigorous. We didn't just do the odd product, we decided to do our whole range, which was a substantial undertaking.
– Colin Gooch, Technical Director, Resene Group
More questions about certification?
1. How long does it take to get certified?
It depends. The timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of your product/service and how prepared you are with supporting documentation. On average, the process takes 6-9 months from initial contact to final licensing. This includes an eligibility review, independent auditing, document submission, and licence approval.
2. How much does certification cost?
Certification costs include:
– Application Fee (one-off)
– Independent Auditor Costs (quoted separately)
– Annual Licence Fee (based on annual turnover)
For most small to medium businesses, costs range from $1,000–$3,500 per year, plus auditor fees. You can find detailed information in the Certification Guide, or visit Our Fees page.
3. What must businesses do to achieve the certification?
Requirements for each product or service category varies but in general, businesses must:
- Ensure ingredients/ materials are environmentally preferable, responsibly sourced and pose no risk to human health (e.g. low VOCs).
- Prove production does not harm surrounding communities in any way (e.g. pollution).
- Implement a robust reduction plan to tackle carbon emissions at their source.
- Demonstrate resource efficiency (e.g. water, energy).
- Have effective waste minimisation and product stewardship initiatives in
- Commit to continuous improvement.
- Prove the product or service is durable and fit-for
- Pass regular onsite audits across the supply chain
Recognising the inextricable link between planetary and human wellbeing, Eco Choice Aotearoa has begun phasing in criteria around modern slavery and social accountability too.
4. Who carries out the auditing?
We partner with Tonkin+Taylor and other independent auditors to conduct independent audits. They assess whether your product meets the environmental and performance criteria outlined in the Eco Choice standards.
5. What happens after my products or services get licensed?
Once certified, you can use the Eco Choice Aotearoa mark on your product packaging, marketing materials, and tender documents. Your licence will be listed in our product and service finder, and we’ll support you with guidelines on how to promote your certification. We also carry out annual reviews to ensure ongoing compliance and continuous improvement.