Environmental aspects

3.1.4.1 Organisation-related general criteria 3.1.4.1.1 General production activities

− The production activities of the company do not imply or cause serious environmental risks.

3.1.4.1.2 Responsibility

− A responsible for environmental issues, at senior management level, keeps check on compliance with the regulations and evaluates suggestions for improvements.

3.1.4.1.3 Environmental impact Input

− The company makes efforts to minimise the use of energy

− The company makes efforts to use the most environmentally friendly energy sources

− The company makes efforts to minimise the use of raw materials Output

− The company makes efforts to minimise emissions into air, water and soil 3.1.4.1.4 Transport

− Objectives and targets are set for organisation-related transport. Transport is minimised and set out as environmentally friendly as possible.

3.1.4.1.5 Fire prevention and control

− A fire-prevention plan and, where appropriate, fire-suppression equipment must be present. In fire hazard areas, workers should be trained in fire prevention and control.

3.1.4.2 Product-related criteria

These criteria and indicators need to be adapted to the specific product group. It has to be assessed whether or not the criterion is relevant and if so, which product-specific indicators can be used to evaluate compliance with the criterion.

3.1.4.2.1 Product design

- The product is designed in function of the potential environmental impacts of all production processes, the use of the product and the waste stage. The use of more sustainable alternatives has been taken into account.

3.1.4.2.2 Materials Material use

- Objectives and targets are set for reduction of raw material use, use of recycled and recyclable material and for materials’ replacement.

Hazardous materials

- The use of hazardous materials is kept at a minimum.

- Any chemical products banned or not officially recognised in the country or prohibited by national or international agreements may not be used.

- Wherever possible hazardous materials are substituted with less hazardous alternatives 3.1.4.2.3 Energy

Energy use

- The consumption of energy is kept at a minimum.

Energy source

- Wherever possible the most environmentally friendly energy sources are used.

3.1.4.2.4 Water Water use

- The company must implement a water management system, which minimises water consumption and conserves ground and surface water.

Water contamination and treatment - Water contamination is avoided.

- Wastewaters are appropriately treated.

- Contamination of natural water sources is prevented 3.1.4.2.5 Soil

Soil contamination

- The company takes measures to prevent and remedy soil contamination.

Soil structure and erosion

- The company takes measures to preserve the soil structure and to prevent erosion.

Soil fertility

- Farm management practices must promote the conservation and recuperation of the soil's fertility, quantity and quality of organic material, biological activity, and structure. The use of organic fertiliser and composted waste is preferred to chemical fertiliser.

Land clearing

- The company does not clear land by burning trees or other unwanted vegetation.

3.1.4.2.6 Air Air contamination

- The company makes efforts to minimise air contamination 3.1.4.2.7 Pest and weed control

Pest management

- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) must be employed, emphasising physical, cultural, mechanical and biological practices to control pest. Organic methods should replace agrochemical treatment wherever possible. If agrochemicals are used, much attention should be paid to the appropriate product choice and application.

Weed control

- Integrated Weed Management must be employed. In order to control weeds preference should be given to cultural practices instead of chemicals application.

3.1.4.2.8 Ecosystems GMO’s

- GMO’s and/or any product derived from such organisms must not be used.

Wildlife conservation

- Attention should be given to the protection of the fauna and flora inside and surrounding the company.

3.1.4.2.9 Waste

- Waste and pollution reduction must be given high priority. A proper waste management system for the separation and disposal must be established in the company. Waste deposit must conform to the requirements of the law. Residuals and wastes must be managed in ways that minimise risks to human health and the environment. Non-biodegradable wastes (i.e. paper, plastic, metal, wood, glass, ...) are to be separated and recycled or reused wherever possible.

3.1.4.2.10 Product stewardship

- The company makes an effort to reduce the adverse environmental impact of the use of the products.

- The company makes an effort to reduce the adverse environmental impact of the disposal of the products.

3.1.4.2.11 Livestock

- Stockfarming should be land-related as much as possible. The number of livestock must be closely related to the area available to allow for the spreading of livestock manure.

When the producer owns more animals, arrangements can be made with other producers for the spreading of livestock manure.

- All animals must have access to sufficient free-range or grazing area and sufficient indoors housing area.

- Animal health problems should be limited and controlled mainly by prevention. If despite all preventive measures an animal becomes sick or injured it must be treated immediately.

- Operations such as tail-docking, cutting of teeth, trimming of beaks, dehorning or castration are subject to stringent conditions.

4 COMPARISON OF THE LABEL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WITH ORGANIC PRODUCTION AND FAIR TRADE STANDARDS

4.1 COMPARISON WITH THE STANDARDS FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION

The EU regulation on organic farming [Regulation EEC N° 2092/91] defines the guidelines for organic production. Regulations on organic farming in different member states respect these guidelines. Many countries even go beyond this regulation. This chapter compares the standards in the EU Regulation with the environmental criteria proposed in the sustainability label.

4.1.1 Comparative table