Standards for a better world
Our ecolabel is earned by meeting the criteria outlined in our published product and service standards. In addition to our technical requirements, there is an expectation of continuous improvement and sustainable innovation.
Eco Choice Aotearoa follows the International Organization for Standardization’s global principles and procedures for Type l ecolabels (ISO 14024).
When drafting our standards, we consider international best practice, while taking into account New Zealand’s unique market realities and regulatory environment.
Draft standards are subject to public consultation for 60 days, before being finalised; however the ecolabel welcomes feedback at any time, particularly as innovations occur.
Aluminium’s combination of physical properties results in its use in a wide variety of products including light vehicles, railcars, and aircraft; wire is used for long-distance transmission of electricity; air...Read more
Eco Choice Aotearoa’s standard for Building Insulants covers both thermal and acoustic products. Businesses with this certification must responsibly source raw materials and meet minimum requirements for recycled content. For...Read more
Eco Choice Aotearoa’s standard for carpets and rugs includes wool and synthetic products with a high percentage of recycled content. Choosing one material over the other, isn’t always straight-forward. The...Read more
Eco Choice Aotearoa’s standard for home and commercial cleaning services helps you choose suppliers committed to minimising their environmental impact and prioritising your health. Cleaning services with this certification must:...Read more
Concrete production is emissions intensive, can deplete natural resources (aggregates like sand and gravel) and leach dangerous additives into our environment. Eco Choice Aotearoa’s standard for concrete aims to minimise...Read more
Eco Choice Aotearoa’s standard for construction and demolition waste services sets clear guidelines for minimising waste and maximising resource recovery. The Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) estimates construction...Read more
Office-based or WFH? Make sure your copying machine, printer, scanner and multifunctional devices are certified by Eco Choice Aotearoa. Businesses awarded the ecolabel in this category must ensure their product:...Read more
Standard detergents and cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals designed to annihilate grime – but at what cost? Ingredients such as “optical brighteners” don’t biodegrade and are extremely toxic to...Read more
This category includes services that: • collect and sort end-of-life ITT equipment; and • process, dismantle and/or dispatch this equipment for reuse or recycling; and • provide safe disposal of...Read more
The production of flat and long steel has a considerable impact on the environment. However, it is a necessary product with no viable alternative. Eco Choice Aotearoa’s standard for flat...Read more
Our homes and workplaces can have a tremendous impact on the environment through the purchase of unsustainable furniture, fittings and flooring. Products awarded Eco Choice Aotearoa’s ecolabel are made with...Read more
The demand for heating, ventilation and cooling products will only increase over time due to higher standards of living, and extreme weather caused by climate change. Ironically, HVAC systems make...Read more
Eco Choice Aotearoa’s standard for paint covers interior and exterior, water-based paints primers, varnishes and sealants. New Zealanders purchase some 22 million litres of decorative paint each year. A range...Read more
Eco Choice Aotearoa’s standard for Paper Products ensures responsible sourcing of raw materials, resource efficiency and waste minimisation. It also requires high percentages of recycled content and reduced chemical usage....Read more
Some ingredients commonly used in Personal Care products can have a tremendous impact on our waterways, aquatic life and even human health. In addition, they often use excessive packaging and...Read more
Eco Choice Aotearoa’s standard for Plaster and Plasterboard products is designed to address the use of hazardous ingredients and encourage recycling and reuse. Discarded plasterboard is not just wasteful, it...Read more
Cement (Portland Cement and Portland Cement Blend) undoubtedly has a significant impact on the environment; but it’s a necessary product with as yet, no viable alternative. However, there are many...Read more
This standard establishes strict guidelines for pre-painted and resin coated metal products used in construction. It supports responsible manufacturing practices and helps minimise environmental impact by: Requiring evidence of responsible...Read more
The Ministry for Environment estimates five million tyres are discarded annually in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Globally, the number is estimated to be in excess of two billion, with less than...Read more
Aotearoa New Zealand must do more to tackle the triple-threat of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. Workplaces are not exempt from that responsibility. Office-based, professional services have a considerable...Read more
Plastic is a versatile and durable material. Its durability becomes a problem if it’s designed for a single use. It’s estimated around 8% (or 252,000 tonnes) of what ends up...Read more
Eco Choice Aotearoa’s standard for Textiles, Skins and Leather covers products including: Clothing and apparel made from natural and synthetic fibres; Home textiles such as curtains and upholstery; Industrial filters...Read more
Wool scouring is the process of washing wool to remove dirt, grease (lanolin), sweat, and other impurities. Wool scouring is energy and resource intensive; often involving several rinsing stages and...Read more