Ecolabels in Teknos products indicate quality, safety, and sustainability
Interest in environmental issues has increased consumers’ interest in ecolabelling in the coatings industry. Ecolabels are voluntary labels designed to strengthen consumers’ product awareness and to inform about the environmental impact of products.
Coating manufacturer Teknos uses ecolabels in its products. One of these is the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, which is one of the best-known ecolabels in the Nordic countries. The criteria of the label consist of tough environmental requirements throughout product’s life cycle – from raw materials to production, use, and recycling. Thus, the consumer can be sure of quality, safety, and sustainability of swan-labelled products. Currently, almost 20 Teknos products carry the Swan Label.
“Requirements for swan-labelled paints concern the raw materials used in paints. The quality requirements, on the other hand, ensure the opacity of the paint surface and the durability of the product, which reduces the need for repainting. Instructions included in the products, for example those on how to correctly wash paint brushes or dispose paint waste, reduce the environmental impact of painting. Re-sealable packages reduce paint waste,” describes Product Manager Laura Kosonen from Teknos.
APPLICATION FOR NORDIC SWAN ECOLABEL LICENSE IS A METICULOUS PROCESS
Teknos has been using the Swan Ecolabel in its products for several years. Products for both interior and exterior surfaces carry the Swan Label. For example, NORDICA CLASSIC paint for wooden surfaces outdoors and the BIORA interior paints are products granted with the Swan Label.
The application process for the Swan Ecolabel ensures that the product meets the tough criteria set for the label. For coating products, the process includes product composition review, documentation, emission measurements, durability tests, and the audit by the Swan Label authority.
“We use the Swan Label because it is a respected and well-known brand with high quality standards. In the process, among other things, each raw material of one paint must be evaluated and approved separately. This can mean separate approval for dozens of raw materials in only one product. In addition, sustainability is required from our supply chain, as we need a separate assurance of the sustainability of the raw materials from each of our suppliers,” Laura describes.
CRITERIA THAT CHANGE OVER TIME ENSURE UP-TO-DATE SUSTAINABILITY
The Swan Ecolabel criteria are revised approximately every 3–5 years in accordance with new environmental information, technological developments, and the market situation. When the criteria are tightened, Teknos updates the permits granted to meet the new criteria.
“At Teknos, the work for product safety and sustainability does not end when the Swan Ecolabel license is granted, but we continue to constantly develop our products. This also encourages our research and development function to further develop our products,” says Laura.
The Swan Ecolabel criteria will be updated, for example, as EU chemicals legislation changes. The Swan Ecolabel aims to anticipate changes, and the voluntary nature of the Label makes it possible to impose tougher requirements on swan-labelled products than regulations.
“The Swan Ecolabel can be considered as a pioneer. The Swan Ecolabel in our products indicates that they are among the best in their product group in terms of the environment and promote sustainable development. That is why we at Teknos consider important to utilize the label,” concludes Laura.
More information:
Laura Kosonen, Product Manager Teknos Oy
Email. laura.kosonen@teknos.com
Mobile: +358 438254639