Division FRAMEWORK

In order to qualify for an eco-label, the product as defined in Article 1 must comply with the criteria of this Annex. Where appropriate, other test methods may be used if their equivalence is accepted by the competent body assessing the application.

The competent bodies are recommended to take into account the implementation of recognised environmental management schemes, such as EMAS or ISO 14 001, when assessing applications and monitoring compliance with the criteria in this Annex (Note: it is not required to implement such management schemes.)

These criteria aim in particular at promoting:

• the reduction of environmental damage or risks related to the use of energy (global warming, acidification, depletion of non-renewable resources) by reducing energy consumption

• the reduction of environmental damage related to the use of natural resources by reducing water consumption

• the reduction of environmental damage related to the use of natural resources by encouraging recyclability

• the reduction of water pollution by contributing to reduced detergent consumption, and

• the reduction of noise emissions.

The criteria encourage the implementation of best practice and enhance consumer environmental awareness. Furthermore, marking the plastic components encourages the recycling of the machine.