Biofuels
Biofuels are a broad area that includes everything from charcoal and fire lighters to biogas and vehicle fuel. The Good Environmental Choice label for biofuels sets requirements for sustainable harvesting and reduced fossil fuel use, and is a tool for driving progress towards a more sustainable energy system.
Ecolabelled biofuel gives consumers the chance to make choices that are better for the environment. Among other things, Good Environmental Choice sets requirements for more careful fuel extraction, fewer harmful chemicals and less use of heavy metals. Harvesting, processing and transportation must be carried out with minimum use of fossil energy.
Provisions for environmental projects
In addition, fuel labelled Good Environmental Choice means that money is allocated, via an environmental fund, to projects that promote biodiversity in forests. Linking such concrete environmental benefits to a fuel label is utterly unique.
Our environmental requirements
- Using too large a proportion of fossil energy in the production of the product is not permitted. Non-renewable energy used in areas such as extraction, transport, packaging and as process energy in manufacturing may amount to a maximum of 10% of the product’s energy content.
- For gaseous and liquid vehicle fuels, which are reported and reviewed under the Sustainability Directive, requirements are instead set for maximum climate impact for the entire combined fuel.
- Chemical substances and compounds included in the fuel must not cause cancer, genetic damage, birth defects or impaired fertility.
- Ash that remains when the product is incinerated in a normal way must meet the Swedish Forest Agency’s recommendations for ash recycling, which means that it must contain very low concentrations of, for example, heavy metals.
- The wood raw material that is included in the fuel must come from FSC-certified forestry or equivalent. This means that the forestry in question must take ecological, economic and social responsibility and not, for example, leave unsustainable clear-felled areas or cut down important forest assets.
Other requirements include a ban on genetically modified crops and palm oil, plus the manufacturer must have sound systems in place for their environmental work. The full criteria document is available below.
What is the benefit of Good Environmental Choice labelled biofuel?
Buying ecolabelled biofuels increases demand for sustainably produced fuel and puts pressure on manufacturers. It also benefits the manufacturers who take responsibility, and gives them greater opportunities to reach out with their sustainable products.
Which products can be labelled with Good Environmental Choice?
All renewable fuels that meet the criteria for Good Environmental Choice can be labelled. Examples are: pellets, charcoal, fire lighters and biogas.
Application documents
Criteria and license terms
Apply to be a licensee
Ready to become a licensee? This is the application process step by step. If you have questions regarding what an application would mean for you, please contact us.
Communicate Good Environmental Choice
As a licensee, you can communicate Good Environmental Choice on products and services but also in your own communication. Read how the logo can be used and how Good Environmental Choice should be expressed in text or in other media. Explain the benefits of the eco label to your customers and partners.
