"Blue Angel" eco-label: Audit and Verification
The "Blue Angel" eco-label assesses environmentally relevant criteria such as the use of recycled raw materials—TÜV NORD CERT verifies the required evidence.
The "Blue Angel" eco-label assesses environmentally relevant criteria such as the use of recycled raw materials—TÜV NORD CERT verifies the required evidence.
Since 1978, the “Blue Angel” has been awarded to products that are particularly environmentally friendly whilst also meeting high standards of usability, occupational safety and health protection. This makes it not only one of the oldest but also one of the most prestigious eco-labels in Germany, and it is recognised by major environmental organisations such as NABU, WWF and Greenpeace, amongst others.
For manufacturers, the “Blue Angel” offers credible and widely recognised proof of sustainable product characteristics, particularly for products made from recycled materials. Since 2015, manufacturers have been required to have their raw material sourcing verified by a recognised, independent body such as TÜV NORD CERT in order to confirm compliance with the “Blue Angel” criteria through an impartial third party.
As part of the application to use the label, an auditor from TÜV NORD CERT verifies the criteria for the use of recycled paper and, where applicable, other parameters.
The audit is intended for paper mills and other manufacturers of paper products that consist primarily or entirely of recycled paper. This includes products with the following DE-UZ numbers:
Furthermore, an assessment against the “Blue Angel” eco-label is suitable for manufacturers offering thermal paper made from FSC® or PEFC-certified pulp:
As part of the application to use the label, an auditor from TÜV NORD CERT verifies compliance with the criteria for the use of recycled paper and other relevant products. For manufacturers, an independent audit offers significant advantages:
In addition to certification according to the “Blue Angel” criteria, which are defined by RAL gGmbH as a government-authorized body, TÜV NORD CERT offers additional environmental certifications. Combining multiple environmental certifications can significantly reduce time and costs.
Would you like to have the procurement of recycled materials in accordance with FSC® and/or PEFC, as well as certification under the international environmental management standard ISO 14001, assessed directly? Please feel free to contact us regarding this.
For a successful audit, the organisation has to fill in Annex 1 according to the award criteria for the "Blue Angel", present its raw material procurement based on purchase documents, invoices, receipts etc. and, if relevant, must demonstrate that a specified maximum quantity of fresh pulp is not exceeeded in production. The raw materials delivered must also be sorted to ensure that certain types of recycled paper are excluded or minimised. For the manufacture of thermal paper, various environmental parameters of the incorporated pulp are audited. In addition, some audit requirements require verification of waste water parameters by an external assessor.
The following types of paper that consist in part or completely of recycled paper can be audited: DE-UZ 5 sanitary paper, DE-UZ 14a recovered paper and cardboard, DE-UZ 35 wallpaper and woodchip paper, DE-UZ 65 unbleached filter papers for use with hot and boiling water, DE-UZ 72 printing and publication papers, DE-UZ 217a 100% recycled paper for bags and boxes, as well as thermal papers that according to DE-UZ 223 have to consist of FSC® or PEFC certified pulp.
The audit is primarily directed towards paper factories.
In addition, manufacturers of other products made of wood and wood materials increasingly have to provide proof of certified wood procurement from sustainable forestry in order to gain the “Blue Angel” label, e.g. DE-UZ 38 for low-emission furniture and slatted frames made of wool and wood-based material. Here, the award criteria are being modified step by step. TÜV NORD CERT is prepared to audit for the required FSC® or PEFC certification on site.
TÜV NORD CERT is an internationally recognized and reliable partner for testing and certification services. Our experts and auditors have in-depth knowledge and are always permanently employed by TÜV NORD. This guarantees independence and neutrality as well as continuity in the support of our customers. The advantage for you is obvious: our auditors accompany and support the development of your company and give you objective feedback.