Chemical company BASF (BAS.F) launched a database designed to help customers compare the attributes of dozens of different eco-labels and environmental claims attached to products these days.
The SELECT™ (Sustainability, Eco-Labeling and Environmental Certification Tracking) Eco-Label Manager currently includes 100 programs for review, primarily
associated with North America. However, BASF is expanding the tool to add programs from
all regions globally.
Examples include Built Green™ Canada, a
residential construction checklist and energy rating system; USGBC LEED®
programs, and the Green Guides, a set of guidelines established by the
Federal Trade Commission to help manufacturers make clear and
substantiated marketing claims.
"The demand for environmentally preferable products is rapidly evolving and influencing purchasing decisions along entire supply chains," said Pat Meyer, Senior Product Steward and program leader at BASF. "These purchasing requirements have spawned hundreds of eco-labels and programs from the federal government, large retailers, trade associations and third-party organizations, leading to a lot of confusion."
As a result, many businesses are spending considerable time and resources trying to understand and manage these classifications. "The BASF SELECT Eco-Label Manager tool is designed to simplify and streamline these efforts," Meyer said.
Currently, the tool is available to all BASF employees and preferred BASF customers and stakeholders.
