Epa Proposes Updates to Sustainable Product Recommendations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently unveiled a proposed update to its Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing. This update aims to assist federal government purchasers and other buyers in selecting sustainable and environmentally friendly products that also prioritize safer chemical ingredients and contribute to climate-friendly practices. This marks the first comprehensive evaluation of standards and ecolabels by the EPA in nearly a decade.

The Recommendations serve as a valuable resource, identifying a wide array of products and services across 35 categories that promote energy and water conservation, incorporate higher levels of recycled content, and reduce the use of substances like PFAS and single-use plastics. By guiding federal purchasers towards environmentally preferable options, the Recommendations not only support cost savings for taxpayers but also play a crucial role in reducing climate impacts and preventing pollution.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the Executive Order on Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability directs federal agencies to prioritize the procurement of sustainable products and services that align with EPA’s Recommendations. The proposed update includes the addition of 14 new standards and ecolabels across three new product categories, encompassing healthcare, laboratories, and clothing and uniforms, while also expanding the existing sub-category for food service ware.

Jennie Romer, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention in EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, emphasized the significance of the Recommendations in simplifying purchasing decisions amidst the multitude of ecolabels available in the market. Romer highlighted the pivotal role of federal procurement, which accounted for over $700 billion in spending last year, in advancing sustainability efforts at a significant scale.

If finalized, the updated Recommendations will offer federal purchasers and other buyers enhanced guidance and options across four main categories, further divided into nine sub-categories. Notably, the update proposes the expansion of the food service ware sub-category to include additional standards and ecolabels for reusable, certified compostable, and certified recyclable products.

EPA’s assessment of third-party standards and ecolabels under the Framework for the Assessment of Environmental Performance Standards and Ecolabels underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring environmental sustainability and product conformity verification. Earlier in April 2022, EPA announced stricter eligibility criteria for the inclusion of standards and ecolabels in the Recommendations, necessitating a competent third-party verification program and a current product directory.

Public feedback on the proposed updates to the Recommendations will be welcomed by the EPA for a 30-day period following publication. Interested parties can provide comments via the designated docket on Regulations.gov, with the agency utilizing this input to finalize the Recommendations. This move underscores the EPA’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement in shaping sustainable procurement practices.