Course description

This practitioner course demystifies the ISO 14020 family of environmental labels and declarations and shows how to apply them correctly. You’ll compare the three label types—Type I certified eco-labels (ISO 14024), Type II self-declared claims (ISO 14021), and Type III Environmental Product Declarations (ISO 14025)—and learn when each is appropriate. We translate principles like accuracy, relevance, and verifiability into practical checklists for product, packaging, and marketing teams. You’ll practice drafting defensible claims, selecting or engaging program operators for certified labels, and interpreting EPDs based on life-cycle assessment fundamentals. We cover governance (roles, evidence, and review), third-party verification pathways, and how to avoid common pitfalls such as vague language, unsubstantiated comparisons, and double counting. Templates include claim substantiation logs, label decision trees, and verification readiness reviews. The course closes with an implementation roadmap to integrate ISO-aligned labeling into product development, procurement, and brand communications, with notes to align organizational goals and regulatory expectations.

What you’ll learn

• Distinguish Type I/II/III and select the right pathway

• Apply ISO claim principles: accurate, relevant, verifiable

• Build claim substantiation and review controls

• Engage with eco-label program operators and verification bodies

• Interpret EPDs and life-cycle results for decisions

• Evaluate labels for products, packaging, and marketing

• Avoid greenwashing and misleading comparisons

• Plan organization-wide implementation and governance

Who should attend

• Environmental managers and sustainability officers

• Product designers and brand managers

• Regulatory/compliance and quality managers

• Marketing, procurement, and packaging teams

• Consultants in eco-design and environmental compliance

Recommended

• Familiarity with ISO 14001 or basic EMS concepts

• No prior labeling or certification experience required

• Basic understanding of product life cycles and sustainability

• Awareness of local advertising/claims rules