Public institutions across Europe are being encouraged to embrace sustainable paper procurement, thanks to two newly published EU Ecolabel Practical Guides. The European Commission has released clear, user-friendly resources to help public buyers include environmental standards in tenders for graphic paper and tissue paper products. A third guide focusing on printed paper and stationery is also expected soon, further expanding the toolkit for green public purchasing.
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Public Sector’s Ongoing Demand for Paper
Despite the digital shift, government agencies still rely heavily on paper — whether for administrative records, legal documents, or everyday office needs. At the same time, essential tissue products like toilet paper and paper towels are widely used in public buildings. These products represent a key opportunity for governments to reduce environmental impact through smart purchasing choices.
By opting for recycled, sustainably sourced paper certified under recognized ecolabels, public buyers can play a real role in cutting deforestation, lowering emissions, and boosting resource efficiency — all without increasing costs.
Why the EU Ecolabel Stands Out
The EU Ecolabel is a voluntary certification scheme supported by the European Union, covering over 100,000 products across 25 categories. It provides assurance that goods meet rigorous environmental standards, which are grounded in scientific research and regularly updated to reflect new priorities and technologies.
From an administrative perspective, using EU Ecolabel-certified products simplifies tendering, with agencies either requiring the label outright or integrate specific ecolabel criteria into technical specifications. This reduces the burden of verification and speeds up procurement processes.
Economically, the label helps public bodies balance cost and sustainability. It opens access to competitive products that are both eco-friendly and budget-conscious — supporting procurement that delivers both environmental and financial value.
EU Ecolabel logo used for informational purposes. Packlab is not affiliated with or certified by the EU Ecolabel scheme.
Practical Guides Make Green Bidding Easier
The newly released guides break down how to apply ecolabel criteria effectively in public tenders. They cover key topics including:
- Sustainable fiber sourcing
- Bleaching processes
- Emissions from production
- Energy usage
These resources are designed to help public buyers incorporate EU Ecolabel standards smoothly and effectively into their purchasing documents.
The Start of Greener Public Procurement
As public institutions move toward greener procurement, new advances such as the Ecolabel will help make the journey simple, cost-effective, and impactful.
With the new Practical Guides, EU Member States now have the tools to green their procurement of paper products efficiently and effectively. By incorporating EU Ecolabel criteria into tender processes, governments can lead by example, driving demand for eco-friendly goods and advancing the EU’s broader climate and sustainability goals.
