Ecolabels: boon for the environment or confusion for the consumer?

The rise of green consumerism led to a proliferation of products claiming to be environmentally friendly, however consumers often found the statements given in support of these claims confusing. `Ecolabels´ are intended to help consumers recognise products which have been manufactured and which perform their intended function in an environmentally friendly way. This article gives an overview of the current position regarding ecolabelling within the Member States of the European Union (EU) and proposals for strengthening the EU Ecolable Regulations