Environmental Claims

ISO 14021 defines the conditions under which a manufacturer's own environmental claims (Type II self-declaration) can be made. It does not require a third-party label or an EPD; but the claim must be accurate, verifiable, clear and not misleading. The standard gives definitions and an assessment method for commonly used terms.

The aim is for environmental claims to rest on a measurable basis. A claim whose basis cannot be shown may be considered a misleading commercial practice under consumer legislation.

• Brands using an environmental claim on their packaging and products
• Manufacturers declaring recycled content
• Firms selling biodegradable or compostable products
• Suppliers subject to retail chains' environmental-claims policy
• Marketing teams having their advertising and label text audited

• Determining which term the claim is built on
• Terms defined in the standard: recyclable, recycled content, compostable, biodegradable, reduced resource use, extended life, reusable, refillable
• Clarifying whether the claim applies to the whole product or to one component
• Examining the underlying data and the measurement method
• The claim's verifiability requirement: that evidence can be produced on request
• Assessing vague and general wording (such as 'eco-friendly' or 'green')
• Conformity of symbol and graphic use with the rules
• The existence of collection infrastructure (for recyclability claims)
• The impression the claim's wording creates in the reader

• ISO 14021
• ISO 14024
• ISO 14025
• EN 13432 (compostability)

• ISO 14021
• ISO 14024
• ISO 14025
• EN 13432 (compostability)

1. 1Defining the ClaimIt is clarified which claim is being made, for which product or organisation and within what scope. A vague claim cannot be verified.
2. 2Preparation of the Supporting DataThe calculations, measurements or certificate records supporting the claim are prepared by the organisation.
3. 3Establishing the CriterionThe standard or rule set against which the claim will be assessed is identified — ISO 14068-1 for carbon neutrality, ISO 14021 for self-declared claims.
4. 4Examination of the Supporting BasisThe calculation method, data quality and assumptions are checked; the scope of the claim is compared with the scope of its supporting basis.
5. 5Assessment of the Wording of the ClaimThe wording of the claim is examined for whether the limits of its scope are conveyed clearly to the reader. A claim resting on correct data can still mislead if it is badly worded.
6. 6Verification StatementA statement is issued recording that the basis of the claim has been assessed, and setting out its scope.

In claim verification, assurance extends to the examination of the basis of the claim. The verifier does not state that the claim is true, but that the basis presented supports the claim and that the scope is stated correctly. This distinction means no assurance is given for impacts outside the scope of the claim.

• Details of the verification body
• The text of the claim and its scope
• The product, service or organisation the claim relates to
• Criteria and standard applied
• The supporting data examined and the period covered
• Scope limits and exclusions
• The verification conclusion and its period of validity

Verification of a self-declaration under ISO 14021 does not have the same status as a third-party ecolabel (Type I) or an EPD (Type III). Verification examines the basis of the claim; it does not endorse the product's environmental superiority. EU regulation of environmental claims is also tightening, and conformity with ISO 14021 alone does not guarantee conformity with local consumer legislation.

Greenhouse gas verification and validation activities are accredited under ISO 14065; the verification itself is performed to ISO 14064-3 and the competence of verification personnel is defined by ISO 14066. Assurance engagements, by contrast, are governed by assurance standards such as ISAE 3000 and do not fall within accredited certification. In both frameworks the impartiality rule is decisive: the party that performs the calculation cannot verify that same calculation. EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation from accreditation bodies that are signatories to the ILAC and IAF mutual recognition arrangements; which verifications can be offered within accredited scope is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• Carbon Neutrality
• Climate Claims