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France labels products with an Eco-Score
After the introduction of the 'Nutri-Score' to indicate the nutritional value of a product, France is now taking a second step in clarifying food packaging. The country wants to introduce a so-called 'Eco-Score' to show the impact of a product on the environment. Ultimately, both labels must be clearly and prominently displayed on packaging.
Not only are consumers increasingly concerned with their health (and therefore nutritional values), there is also increasing attention for the way in which food is produced. Research shows that 38% of French consumers consider its origin when purchasing a product. In addition, approximately 78% indicate that they are not sufficiently informed about the environmental and health effects of products. ECO2 Initiative wants to change that with the so-called 'Eco-Score'. The environmental impact of the respective product should be visible at a glance.
According to co-founder Lucas Lefebvre, the label should help consumers make good purchasing decisions. "For the first time in Europe, a transparent tool has been created to guide consumers in their choices." For him such a label is necessary. "I hope it has an impact on today's food industry and our consumption habits. The label should help accelerate the ecological transition."
Calculating from 100 points
The Eco-Score calculates from a total score of 100 points. A product that scores between 80 and 100 points can therefore be labeled as environmentally friendly and receives the letter 'A'. The system can be compared with energy labels on washing machines and refrigerators, for example. The products with a heavy impact on the environment deserve the letter 'E' and the point total does not exceed 20 points. When calculating the score, the entire process is taken into account: from the extraction of raw materials to the energy consumption in production and distribution.
In addition, ECO2 Initiative works with a bonus-malus system. For example, products certified by, for example, Nature & Progress, Bio Coherence and Demeter qualify for a bonus of 20 points. Products certified by EU Bio and AB Agriculture Biologique can earn an additional 15 points and 10 points are awarded to products associated with the Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, Bleu Blanc Coeur (BBC) and ASC Aqua, among others. In addition, if a product is associated with, for example, overfishing or deforestation (in connection with the cultivation of palm oil), the score is reduced by 10 points.
The initiators clarify that products produced outside France (or even outside Europe) do not immediately receive a lower score. "Transport represents 5% to 30% of greenhouse gases, depending on the product. But most of the environmental impacts are related to production. This means that a banana imported by boat from Guadeloupe can score better than a tomato that grown out of season and locally in a greenhouse."
Kimberly Baker
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