European Sustainability in Action: Devold Achieves Swan Ecolabel Certification

Devold Leads the Way in Sustainable Manufacturing with Environmental Certification

Sustainable gear isn’t a trend — it’s the future. With Swan Ecolabel certification, Devold shows what real environmental commitment looks like in the outdoor industry.

At Devold, quality means more than performance and fit — it means responsibility at every step. In 2023, they made a board-level commitment to certify its products under two of the world’s most stringent environmental standards: the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel. These certifications, known as Type 1 ecolabels (ISO 14024), align closely with the European Union’s proposal of the upcoming Green Claims Directive.

Recognizing the importance of transparency, the company strategically chose certifications that align with its production processes. Products made from Norwegian wool are being certified under the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, while Merino wool garments are also undergoing certification for the EU Ecolabel. This effort supports the global push toward a faster green transition, in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17:Partnerships for the Goals.

Devold’s thicker Norwegian wool garments already meet the stringent standards of the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, with Merino wool products not far behind as certification efforts continue.

What the Nordic Swan and EU Ecolabel Require

These certifications – both Type 1 ecolabels under ISO 14024 – hold manufacturers to exceptionally high standards, including:

• Use of organic, recycled, or renewable fibres that meet strict environmental criteria.

• Complete transparency around chemicals used in textile production, banning carcinogens, substances toxic to reproduction, halogenated flame retardants, nanoparticles, and more.

• Implementation of Best Available Technology (BAT) for water and energy efficiency, or the use of locally produced solar energy, throughout all wet production processes.

• Rigorous quality testing on factors like durability, color fastness, and dimensional stability.

• Full compliance with the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions on workers’ rights.

These criteria ensure that products bearing the Swan label are not only safer for the environment but also produced ethically and built to last.

Why Credible Certifications Matter

The EU’s studies show that over half of all environmental claims made by companies today are vague, misleading, or unfounded. This widespread greenwashing (falsely portraying products or practices as environmentally friendly) has eroded consumer trust. In response, the EU has proposed the Green Claims Directive — legislation that aims to ensure environmental claims are clear, verifiable, and substantiated by independent accreditation.

For companies like Devold, earning such respected environmental certifications isn’t just about compliance — it’s about maintaining consumer trust, protecting the Earth and setting a new benchmark for eco-leadership.

Understanding the Swan and EU Ecolabels

Both the Nordic Swan Ecolabel (founded in 1989 by the Nordic Council of Ministers) and the EU Ecolabel (established in 1992 via EU regulation) are based on a full life cycle perspective — from raw material sourcing to production, distribution, use, and disposal.

These Type 1 ecolabels are developed through a transparent, science-based process that involves input from industry experts, consumer organizations, authorities, and environmental groups. They are updated regularly to reflect the latest market and scientific developments.

Currently, there are:

• 60 product groups certified under the Swan label

• 25 product groups certified under the EU label

These certifications serve as reliable indicators for consumers seeking products that genuinely minimize environmental impact.

Europe’s Push Toward Honest Sustainability

The proposed Green Claims Directive includes key measures such as:

• Clear standards for verifying environmental claims.

• Mandatory third-party verification for ecolabels and environmental marketing.

• New governance rules for environmental labels to ensure transparency and accountability.

Final adoption of directive is expected by summer 2025, complementing the recently passed Empowering the Consumer for the Green Transition Directive (which officially recognizes Type 1 ecolabels, like the Nordic Swan, as gold standards of environmental performance).

As proud partners of Devold, ROI Recreation is excited to showcase their commitment to sustainable innovation. If you’re looking for premium wool garments that balance performance, comfort, and environmental responsibility, explore our full selection of their amazing gear.

Original Author Source: Press Release from Devold