EU Issues Ecolabel Criteria for Tissue Paper

The EU Official Journal published on July 29, 2009 the revised criteria for the Ecolabel applicable to tissue paper. The EU revised the Ecolabel criteria for tissue paper in order to keep pace with technological and market developments, revise the definition of this product group and establish new environmental criteria.

"Tissue paper" as a product group covers tissue paper in boxes or rolls, suitable for maintaining personal hygiene, absorbing liquids and cleaning dirty surfaces. Tissue paper consists of one or several layers of creped or embossed fibrous paper, and the product's fibre content must be at least 90%. This product group does not cover:

Wet wipes and sanitary products;

Tissue products laminated with non-fibrous paper materials;

Products referred to in the Cosmetics Directive (Directive 76/768/EEC).

The Ecolabel applies to kitchen towels, paper hand towels, paper napkins and toilet paper, among others. To obtain the Ecolabel, a number of requirements must be met, including:

The materials used should ensure reduced damage to the environment and ecology, and natural resources should be used under sustainable forest management. The fibres may be wood fibres, recycled fibres or non-wood fibres. Virgin wood fibres should come from sustainably managed forests. Statements, charters or certifications from operators or pulp mills should be presented to demonstrate the use of sustainable forest management.

When chemicals are used in the production process, substances harmful to the environment and health should be avoided, for example:

Chlorine should not be used as a bleaching agent;

Alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APEO) should not be used;

Azo substances should not be used;

Ensure that dyes and brightening agents do not leach out.

The production process and the use of chemicals must be able to reduce water and air pollution, energy consumption, and the impact of solid waste.

Consumers should be provided with information explaining the benefits brought by the Ecolabel and the low proportion of recycled fibre in the product.

Decision No. 2009/568/EC applies to applications for the Ecolabel for tissue paper products submitted after July 9, 2009, and remains in force until July 9, 2013. The decision allows simultaneous implementation with the existing Decision No. 2001/405/EC during a transitional period, until Decision No. 2001/405/EC expires on January 4, 2010. During the transitional period, applicants may choose to submit applications under the criteria of Decision No. 2001/405/EC or of the new Decision No. 2009/568/EC.

——This article is reprinted from China Packaging Network (pack.cn), original link: http://news.pack.cn/show-362270.html