The "Blue Angel" is a voluntary and prestigious product label that has been granted for over four decades in Germany, recognizing environmentally friendly products and services across a range of categories. In the specific category of "Environmentally Friendly Recycled Plastics" (DE-ZU 30a), the certification process is particularly rigorous and environmentally conscious.
To earn the "Blue Angel" eco-label in this category, a product must predominantly consist of plastic, constituting a minimum of 90 percent by weight. Of this plastic content, at least 80 percent by weight must comprise certified PCR (post-consumer recycling) material. PCR materials are secondary raw materials that have completed a product life cycle and can no longer serve their original purpose.
Furthermore, the product must meet stringent requirements to address direct soil, water, and consumer contact. Comprehensive tests must confirm that the migration of heavy metals into the environment is limited, in accordance with DIN EN ISO 71-3. Additionally, the product must undergo testing to ensure that repeated direct contact with the human body poses no harm to consumers, as specified by AfPS GS 2014:01.
These exacting criteria guarantee that the "Blue Angel" is exclusively awarded to products that demonstrate a significantly reduced environmental impact and offer a high level of health protection, setting them apart from other products in the market. This coveted eco-label serves as a symbol of excellence in sustainability and responsible manufacturing.
