FAQs
Environmental Labels as stated in ISO 14020, are vital tools in environmental management. They provide detailed information about a product or service, including its overall environmental characteristics and specific environmental aspects.
There are three (3) types of labels under ISO 14024 series.
Type I Environmental Labeling (ISO 14024)
A voluntary third-party program that grants a license allowing the use of environmental labels. These labels signify the overall environmental preference of a product within a specific category, based on its entire life cycle.
Type II Self-Declared Environmental Claims (ISO 14021)
Pertains to environmental claims made voluntarily by manufacturers or suppliers for their products, hence being self-declared.
Type III Environmental Declarations (ISO 14025)
Establishes principles and procedures for providing quantified environmental information about products. This information is based on a life cycle assessment and presented as an environmental product declaration (EPD). This is particularly important for companies aiming to choose products with superior environmental performance, enabling objective comparisons.
The National Eco Labelling Programme-Green Choice Philippines is classified as a type 1 environmental labeling program.
NELP-GCP allows businesses to label their products or services as “environmentally preferable” as the GCP seal serves as an identification and evidence.
It also shows that manufacturers and companies share the initiatives to combat greenwashing effectively through the use of environmental labels.
NELP-GCP alongside other ecolabels, acts as a potent communication tool to facilitate SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production. It encourages producers to adopt eco-preferable and sustainable manufacturing practices and educates consumers about a product’s environmental impacts in its life cycle. Ecolabels in general can spur innovation and can also constitute a product’s quality ensuring lifetime extension and promoting circularity.
The credibility of NELP-GCP is evident in its meticulous criteria development and certification processes. Criteria are established based on the product/service's life cycle through a consultative process involving diverse stakeholders. The certification activities involve thorough review and evaluation by the NELP-GCP Technical Team, including a surveillance audit for further verification.
Yes, NELP-GCP holds international recognition as a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN), an association comprising some of the world’s most reputable ecolabels. This network spans in nearly 60 countries with 39 members. Moreover, Type 1 environmental labels adhere to the principles and procedures outlined in ISO 14024 Environmental Labels and Declarations – Type 1 Environmental Labeling.
Requirements are divided into basic and product criteria categories. Basic requirements, outlined in Section 2 Part V of the Certification Guidelines, encompass application forms, letters of intent, company profiles, product information disclosures, government permits, and more. For product criteria, the applicant must provide all necessary documentation and certifications supporting their product claims.
Typically, the certification process takes 1-2 months. If the applicant readily complies with basic requirements, the process can be completed in as little as 1 month.
An additional 90 days can be added depending on the availability of certain documents and reports needed to fully accomplish the certification process.
In the absence of existing criteria, the applicant is guided through a Panel Review Process (PRP) where criteria development and evaluation occur simultaneously. This PRP, lasting 3 months until approval and awarding, involves a more comprehensive review and evaluation process, incurring higher costs compared to the standard GCP process.
Companies are encouraged to have their products tested in Philippine Accredited Bureau (PAB) - accredited laboratories. In addition to in-house testing. Products should undergo third-party testing and verification based on applicable methods stated in the criteria.
A GCP license is valid for three (3) years with an annual fee included.
Yes–manufacturers from other countries can apply for a GCP seal of approval for product categories with developed or developing criteria through PRP.
To access the list of GCP awarded products or services, kindly visit the [Insert link/hyperlink].
As of [January] 2024, NELP-GCP already certified 109 products and developed 43 product/service criteria.
The GCP administrator will send a renewal notice once the license is about to expire, usually three months before the expiration.
For comprehensive guidance on using the Green Choice logo, consult the GCP certification guidelines. The complete manual is accessible upon official recognition with the Green Choice Philippines (GCP) Seal of Approval. This ensures correct and effective logo utilization.
The GCP administrator diligently oversees the proper incorporation of the GCP seal. Instances of misuse or incorrect application are promptly addressed to maintain the integrity and credibility of the GCP certification. You, as an essential member of our community, can play a crucial role in this process. If you come across any instances of logo misuse or misrepresentation, we encourage you to report them directly to GCP. Your vigilance greatly contributes to upholding the standards of sustainability we aim for.
If you come across an expired or counterfeit Green Choice Philippines (GCP) logo in the market, it is crucial to take immediate action:
- Document the Instance: Gather evidence, including photographs, location, and any relevant details.
- Report to Authorities: Notify the NELP-GCP Administrator about the incident with all supporting evidence.
- Notify Relevant Parties: If applicable, inform local authorities, consumer protection agencies, or industry associations about the occurrence.
- Raise Awareness: Encourage others to be vigilant and report similar instances to prevent further misuse of the GCP logo.
