Barrier Analysis and Strategies for Ecolabels and Sustainable Public Procurement Implementation

A new publication by GIZ and Oeko Institute on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), has identified twelve common barriers in implementing ecolabels and Green or Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP). The document was launched in December 2021 and is a compilation of repeatedly reoccurring obstacles and possible strategies for successfully overcoming these. It also contains references to further information and best practices. 

In this publication, barriers for Ecolabels are:

·       Insufficient domestic manufacturing sector

·       Limited impact of ecolabel as a sole measure

·       “Chicken and egg” problem

·       High certification costs

·       Mismatch with supplier branding strategy

·       Fast innovation cycles

·       Non-acceptance of non-state ecolabels

Barriers for SPP are:

·       Insufficient support infrastructure

·       Unclear reform mandate

·       Least (acquisition) cost paradigm in public procurement and capacity gaps of public procurers

·       High upfront costs of sustainable products

·       Industry policy focusing on domestic manufacturing

Ecolabels are often issued by Ministries of Environment and at times initiated by standardisation agencies, while SPP is naturally linked to Central Procurement. These institutions naturally are far apart and follow quite different cultures. Their cooperation and capacitation require strong political support. Thus, decision makers and implementers must collaborate and share their challenges and best practices.

To overcome these barriers, the experience gained in one country or region may be helpful to address similar barriers in other countries. Read how countries and organisations can shift towards a greener procurement and make it happen here: