Annual report of the Ecological Union - 2024

The Ecological Union’s 2024 report demonstrates how ecolabelling can support the transition to sustainable consumption and production by improving transparency, credibility and environmental performance of products on the market. The report presents the results of the Vitality Leaf ecolabel programme and shows how independent certification and science-based standards encourage companies to reduce environmental impacts and adopt more responsible production practices.

Vitality Leaf is the only Russian ecolabel recognised by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN). Its standards are based on independent verification and life-cycle oriented environmental criteria that help companies improve product safety, increase the use of recyclable packaging and reduce environmental pressures associated with production and consumption.

In 2024, 23 companies produced 314 certified products and 5 certified services under the Vitality Leaf label. The certification process included 48 audits, the analysis of more than 10,000 documents and on-site inspections conducted by experts. The report highlights examples of environmental improvements achieved by certified companies across different sectors, including construction materials, household chemicals and consumer goods.

The publication also illustrates the role of ecolabels in strengthening consumer trust and promoting informed purchasing decisions. According to recent research, 76% of environmentally conscious consumers in Russia recognise the Vitality Leaf ecolabel, while almost 30% of Millennials and Generation Z consumers report trusting the label.

In addition to certification activities, the Ecological Union conducted environmental awareness programmes that reached approximately 25 million people in 2024. The organisation also contributed to the development of environmental labelling standards and policy frameworks, including work on the Russian version of ISO 14020:2022 and participation in the development of ISO 14024 Type I ecolabelling standards.

By promoting credible ecolabels, improving consumer awareness and supporting companies in adopting stronger environmental standards, the report illustrates how ecolabelling can help build transparent markets for sustainable products and contribute to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 12.