Advancing Industry Best Practice

Recognised Ecolabel Program

The Recognised Ecolabel is a voluntary Type I environmental labelling program specifically developed for the commercial, industrial, and institutional (I&I) cleaning and hygiene sectors.

Built on a foundation of international best practice, the program operates in accordance with the requirements of ISO 14020 (Environmental statements and programmes for products — Principles and general requirements) and ISO 14024 (Type I environmental labelling — Principles and procedures).

The Recognised Ecolabel is a product accreditation program. While product efficacy is the primary requirement for public health and disease prevention, the Recognised Ecolabel addresses the demand for cleaning, hygiene and related products with preferable environmental profiles throughout their entire lifecycle. The Standard requires applicants to demonstrate both technical product excellence and whole-of-business commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

The Recognised Ecolabel Standard sets out the criteria that commercial and I&I cleaning, hygiene and related products must meet to be eligible for accreditation under the Recognised Ecolabel program. The Recognised Ecolabel Standard requires applicants to demonstrate both technical product excellence and whole-of-business commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Davoren Environmental is proud to be the appointed independent third-party assessor for the Recognised Ecolabel. We bring rigorous scientific oversight to the program, ensuring that every successful application meets the high technical and environmental benchmarks required. Our role is to provide the expert, objective verification that maintains the integrity of the Recognised logo for industry and the public alike.

Major Revision: December 2025

Following extensive consultation, the Standard has undergone a comprehensive technical revision to increase rigour and transparency. Key changes in the new 2026 Standard include:

  • Whole-of-Business Criteria: New compliance areas for ingredient and material sourcing, energy and material efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, water and waste management, and social responsibility.

  • Stricter Technical Limits: Reduced permissible levels for VOCs, new maximum limits for phosphorus and sensitisers, new minimum dilution ratios, and defined limits for heavy metals in colourants.

  • Evidence-Based Claims: Mandatory supporting data for all performance, human health, and environmental claims.

  • Enhanced Disclosure: Clearer articulation of the evidence/information required to demonstrate fulfilment of each criterion.

  • Product accreditation under the Recognised Ecolabel program involves two stages:

    • Application for third-party assessment against the Standard Criteria. This is a two-part process. The Applicant must first apply for whole-of-business (WOB) verification (assessment against Section 7 of the Recognised Ecolabel Standard – valid for 6 years) before applying for individual product recognition (assessment against Section 6 of the Recognised Ecolabel Standard).

    • Licensing. Once assessed as meeting both the WOB and Product requirements, the Applicant must enter into a product Licence Agreement with Accord Australasia (valid for 3 years), confirming it is accredited under the Recognised Ecolabel program and may bear the Recognised Ecolabel logo.

    ‍ ‍How to Apply

    • Step 1: Review the Standard Criteria (Jan 2026 PDF) to ensure your operations and products align with the requirements.

    • Step 2: Consult the Guidance on Application & Licensing (PDF) for a clear breakdown of the WOB and product assessment process, assessment timeframes and fees.

    • Step 3: Submit your online application using the buttons provided on the right of this page. Start with the WOB Application; once approved, proceed to the Product Application. (If you have passed the WOB Assessment within the past 6 years, you can go straight to Product Application.)

    • Step 4: If you have successfully passed the WOB and Product assessments, Accord will be in contact with you to progress product licensing. To contact Accord, email recognised@accord.asn.au.

  • The program operates under strict transparency protocols.

Application Type Screening Fee Technical Fee
Whole-of-Business (WoB) $500* $1,750*
Individual Product $500* $1,000*

* All fees are in AUD and exclude GST. Screening fees are due upon application. Technical fees are invoiced upon successful completion of the screening phase.