Table 1. Characteristics of environmental labels (type 1) implemented by country

Country Characteristics
Korea − Certification based on seven pillars of environmental performance, including resources, energy and pollution− Covers over 17,000 products and services across 169 categories− Includes building materials, paints, and laundry services
EU − Only certifies products and services scoring in the top 20% based on ecological criteria, resource consumption, etc.− Covers 69,604 products and services across 23 categories− Includes paint, paper and hotel services
Germany − Certifies based on environmental, social, and economic requirements− Covers 12,000 products and services across 120 categories− Includes household goods, electronics, and car sharing
Northern Europe − Covers 58 categories of products and services based on their environmental impacts during full life cycle− Includes office equipment, printed materials, and hotel services
Japan − Certifies based on resource circulation and hazardous substance management, etc.− Covers 5,821 products and services across 66 categories− Includes household goods, electrical appliances, and hotel services
China − Operated by the Environmental United Certification Centre − Covers 586,920 products across 44 categories− Includes paints, furniture, and electronics
Australia − Operated by a private organization − Covers 3,167 products and services across 22 categories− Includes furniture, cleaning products, and building materials
New Zealand − Operated by a private organization − Covers nearly 2,000 products and services across 42 categories− Includes building materials, office supplies, and laundry services
Canada − Certification based on the entire life cycle − Covers nearly 7,000 products− Includes building materials, electrical appliances, and renewable energy