EU Ecolabel continues to grow: record number of products and licences in the Netherlands and Europe
Publication date: 15 April 2026The EU Ecolabel continues its upward trend unabated. Not only in the Netherlands, but across Europe, the official environmental label is reaching new milestones. As of 1 March 2026, the total number of products and services bearing the EU Ecolabel in Europe reached a record high of 116,692.
The latest figures (March 2026) show that interest in environmentally friendly and innovative products among both companies and consumers is higher than ever. Since the previous measurement in September 2025, the total number of certified products in Europe has increased by 7% (+7,596 products).
The Netherlands: strong growth in product numbers
In the Netherlands, the number of EU Ecolabel‑certified products and services has risen to 2,252, an 8% increase compared to March 2025. The number of licenses issued grew from 106 to 109 (+3%), while the number of companies participating remained stable at 78.
Growth was particularly strong in the following sectors:
- Furniture: A sharp increase of +95% (from 38 to 74 products)
- Lubricants: Growth of +19% bringing the total to 409 products
- Cosmetics: an increase of 9% to 109 products
Strongest growth at the European level
The growth seen in the Netherlands reflects the broader European trend. Across Europe, a total of 3,541 licenses have now been issued. One key feature of the EU Ecolabel is its accessibility for SMEs: approximately 61% of all license holders in Europe fall into this category.
- Top sectors: Paints and varnishes (38,233 products, 33% growth) and tissue paper (21,270 products, 18% growth) remain the largest product groups in Europe.
- Fastest-growing categories: The furniture category is the European “standout performer” with an almost doubling (+99.3%) to 9,960 products since September 2025. The tourist accommodation sector is also growing rapidly, with 81 new licenses issued.
- Leading countries: Germany (18%), Italy (17%), and France (15%) top the list for the highest number of licenses issued. The Netherlands is among the countries showing steady growth.
New criteria for the future
To maintain high sustainability standards, the EU Ecolabel criteria are continuously updated. In 2025, the requirements for three product groups were revised. The new criteria for, among others, decorative paints, varnishes, and water‑based spray paints replace outdated guidelines from 2014, ensuring that the label always reflects the latest environmental performance standards.
A reliable compass for environmentally friendly choices
The continued growth of the EU Ecolabel highlights the increasing demand for reliable, independently certified products. The EU Ecolabel helps consumers make environmentally conscious choices and provides companies with independent, Europe‑wide recognized proof of their environmental performance.
About the EU Ecolabel
The EU Ecolabel is the official environmental label of the European Union for non‑food products and services. In the Netherlands, the certificate label is operated by SMK (Stichting Milieukeur). Products and services are assessed across their entire life cycle, from raw material to the end‑of‑life phase.