Environmentally friendly products in the household are for the most part detergents. Ecological cleaners are biodegradable, have a high cleaning performance and less packaging material. Reusable instead of disposable packaging, which consume raw materials, increase the waste mountain and thereby burden the environment. That's why the Austrian Ecolabel promotes returnable packaging and reusable systems as an environmentally friendly alternative.
For many people, fragrances and aromas awaken joy for the Christmas season and are feel-good factors for a contented attitude to life within one's own four walls. However, it should be borne in mind that fragrances can also have negative effects on human health.
Recycling plastics is good, but preventing waste in the first place is even better. The Liquid Dispenser 3.0 from umdasch has been certified with the Austrian Ecolabel and is a technically mature system for refilling liquids that for the first time also enables large retail chains to offer an efficient refilling service for reusable packaging. Thanks to the integrated technology, the Liquid Dispenser allows for easy operation.
The Austrian Ecolabel pioneer CUP SOLUTIONS has launched the myCoffeeCup pilot project in Vienna, which offers a convenient and quick alternative to environmentally harmful throwing away.
As an option to the millions of disposable plastic bottles, a new 0.5 litre reusable glass bottle is now finally available in stores. Environmental awareness and customer satisfaction are the basis of the latest packaging innovation: the 0.5-liter glass bottle, which has been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel for its reusable system.
Sustainable cosmetics are not that easy to find or you have to make them yourself in a complicated way. Both are stereotypes that you come across again and again. Podcaster and trainer Elena Beringer has done some research for us.
Together with Stiftung Warentest, the VKI has tested pedelecs designed for comfort with a low entry. The twelve e-bikes in the test, with prices ranging from 2300 to 3500 euros, are not exactly cheap. Despite this, frame cracks appeared in the endurance test and the testers found harmful substances and problems with fire safety. However, four e-bikes received a good overall mark, one model from KTM was the clear test winner.
Whether at home or at work: cleanliness is an important factor in feeling good all around. To ensure that cleanliness does not come at the expense of the environment, the choice of ecological cleaning agents and the correct dosage are crucial.
A recent survey by consumer organizations from Denmark, France, Italy, Spain and the VKI in Austria shows that alternatives to plastic tableware are not as harmless or even environmentally friendly as they are often portrayed: Of the 26 products available in Austria, 21 were contaminated with harmful substances.
In cooperation with the Arbeiterkammer Steiermark, the VKI tested eleven returnable drinking bottles. The focus of the drinking bottle test, in which bottles between 400 and 750ml made of plastic, metal and glass were tested, was on practical suitability and freedom from harmful substances.
Stiftung Warentest has put dishwasher tabs under the spotlight. In the current test, there are many products that contain an ecologically harmful chemical that is used to protect silver cutlery. But there are harmless alternatives.
Is a purchased window cleaning product better than a homemade household detergent? The Association for Consumer Information (VKI) has put it to the test.
Miss Dr. Stark on cleaning agents with the Austrian Ecolabel.
When the days get longer in spring and nature comes alive in fresh, vibrant colors, we also want to have our apartments and houses to be fresh for the spring.
The beginnings of ecologisation in the 1980s are inseparably linked to the demand for environmentally friendly cleaning and washing agents. The colourful and foaming rivers and lakes had to disappear, and with them many products with questionable ingredients from the shops.
For more than 10 years DI (FH) Harald Brugger MSc, Head of Chemicals & Consumption has been working for Die UMWELTBERATUNG. Numerous detergents and cleaning agents have been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel or EU Ecolabel on the basis of his expert opinions. In the following he reports about his experiences.
At a workshop in early October 2021, the company presented its sustainable and innovative activities on holistic cleaning and hygiene systems for commercial users.
On 28 September 2022, an information event on the circular economy took place at the Schloss Eggenberg brewery (EMAS company). Reusable containers are an important contribution to a modern circular economy, which keeps valuable resources in circulation. The Ministry of Climate Protection invited to an information event at the brewery Schloss Eggenberg with special regard to the Austrian Ecolabel for reusable containers.
