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An Analysis of the Growth in Environmental Labelling and Information Schemes

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  • Guillaume Gruère

Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of the growth in environmental and labelling schemes (ELIS), using a dataset of 544 schemes introduced between 1970 and 2012 covering 197 countries. General trends drawn from this dataset and an examination of relevant trademarks support a rapid but slowing increase in the number of ELIS. The analysis also shows both the diversity and unequal growth of ELIS according to different characteristics, such as communication means, channels, scope, and the standards on which they are based. The analysis further outlines the dual nature of the evolution of ELIS over time, driven by the combination of an increase in the number of “traditional” ELIS, such as single-issue environmental seals, and the emergence of more recently introduced types of ELIS, including environmental footprints. This combination highlights the tension between increased competition among similar ELIS and the emergence of new schemes potentially less exposed to direct competition but facing larger entry challenges. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015

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  • Guillaume Gruère, 2015. "An Analysis of the Growth in Environmental Labelling and Information Schemes," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 38(1), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jcopol:v:38:y:2015:i:1:p:1-18
    DOI: 10.1007/s10603-014-9275-z
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    1. Evdokia Moïsé & Ronald Steenblik, 2011. "Trade-Related Measures Based on Processes and Production Methods in the Context of Climate-Change Mitigation," OECD Trade and Environment Working Papers 2011/4, OECD Publishing.
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    Cited by:

    1. Clinton Amos & Anthony Allred & Lixuan Zhang, 2017. "Do Biodegradable Labels Lead to an Eco-safety Halo Effect?," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 40(3), pages 279-298, September.
    2. I. Gåvertsson & L. Milios & C. Dalhammar, 2020. "Quality Labelling for Re-used ICT Equipment to Support Consumer Choice in the Circular Economy," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 43(2), pages 353-377, June.
    3. Gabriele Torma & John Thøgersen, 2024. "Can a meta sustainability label facilitate more sustainable consumer choices?," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(2), pages 283-306, February.
    4. Berthet, Alice & Vincent, Audrey & Fleury, Philippe, 2021. "Water quality issues and agriculture: An international review of innovative policy schemes," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    5. Vera Danilina, 2017. "Trade Integration and the Polarisation of Eco-Labelling Strategies," AMSE Working Papers 1725, Aix-Marseille School of Economics, France.
    6. Shewmake, Sharon & Okrent, Abigail & Thabrew, Lanka & Vandenbergh, Michael, 2015. "Predicting consumer demand responses to carbon labels," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 168-180.
    7. Nguyen Thuy Trang & Steven W. Kopp & Vo Hong Tu, 2025. "Sustainable development of local livelihoods in Vietnam: A demand‐driven approach through “One Commune, One Product”," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(1), pages 270-286, February.
    8. Elofsson, Katarina & Bengtsson, Niklas & Matsdotter, Elina & Arntyr, Johan, 2016. "The impact of climate information on milk demand: Evidence from a field experiment," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 14-23.
    9. Nakaishi, Tomoaki & Chapman, Andrew, 2024. "Eco-labels as a communication and policy tool: A comprehensive review of academic literature and global label initiatives," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    10. Doremus, Jacqueline, 2020. "How does eco-label competition affect environmental benefits? The case of Central Africa's forests," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    11. Paula Ziyeh & Marco Cinelli, 2023. "A Framework to Navigate Eco-Labels in the Textile and Clothing Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-29, September.
    12. Vera Danilina, 2017. "Polarisation of Eco-Labelling Strategies," Working Papers 2017.26, FAERE - French Association of Environmental and Resource Economists.

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