SGS : EU Ecolabel Criteria Established for Tissue Paper and Tissue Products

On January 11, 2019, European Commission published Decision (EU) 2019/70 to establish the EU Ecolabel criteria for tissue paper and tissue products. This Decision includes Ecolabel criteria for graphic paper as well.

SAFEGUARDS | Cosmetics, Personal Care and Household NO. 035/19

The EU Ecolabel criteria for 'tissue paper and tissue products' have been established to reduce the discharge of toxic or eutrophic substances into water and the environment. This will reduce environmental damage and mitigate against risks related to energy use, climate change, acidification, ozone depletion, and depletion of non-renewable resources.

Products will be awarded the EU Ecolabel if they fulfil these criteria, following assessment and verification:

• Emissions to water and air
• Energy use
• Fibres: conserving resources, sustainable forest management
• Restricted hazardous substances and mixtures
• Waste management
• Final product requirements
• Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel

'Tissue paper and tissue products' includes:

1. Sheets or reels of not converted tissue paper for conversion into products falling within point (2);
2. Tissue products fit for use for personal hygiene, absorption of liquids or the cleaning of surfaces, or for a combination of those purposes; including but not limited to tissue products of the following kinds: handkerchiefs, toilet tissues, facial tissues, kitchen or household towels, hand towels, table napkins, mats and industrial wipes.

It excludes:

1. Products falling within the product group 'absorbent hygiene products' as defined in Commission Decision 2014/763/EU
2. Products containing cleaning agents designed for the cleaning of surfaces
3. Tissue products laminated with materials other than tissue paper
4. Cosmetic products within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, including wet wipes.
5. Fragranced paper
6. Products falling within the product group 'graphic paper' as defined in Article 1 of Decision (EU) 2019/70 or products falling within the product group 'printed paper' as defined in the Commission Decision 2012/481/EU

The Commission adopted the Decision on January 11, 2019. A transition period has been given by the Commission that, applications of Ecolabel submitted on or after the date of adoption of this Decision but no later than December 31, 2018 may be based either on the criteria set out in this Decision or on the criteria set out in Decision 2009/568/EC. Where the EU Ecolabel is awarded based on the criteria set out in Decision 2009/568/EC, the EU Ecolabel may be used only until December 31, 2019.

1. Commission Decision (EU) 2019/70 of 11 January 2019 establishing the EU Ecolabel criteria for graphic paper and the EU Ecolabel criteria for tissue paper and tissue products
2. Commission Decision (2009/568/EC) of 9 July 2009 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community Eco-label for tissue paper

It is crucial for all cosmetic, personal care and household products to be safe effective and stable. SGS provides testing, inspection, auditing and consulting services to manufacturers, distributors and importers to ensure a high level of product quality in every area. Our state of the art laboratories offer custom-made solutions for chemical, biophysical, microbiological, stability and biological aspects. We also have extensive capabilities in performance testing, claim support studies and consumer panels. Our testing is conducted according to customer specific or recognized standard methods, some of which were developed by SGS. Our cosmetic safety assessors and other technical experts can support customers by making sure new products comply with regulatory requirements.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or visit our website.

For enquiries, please contact:

Queenie Tse
Assistant Technical Service Manager
t: [phone]

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