LCA Food 2012 in Saint Malo, France! - Manifestations et colloques ...

GROUP 3, SESSION A: LABELLING, CONSUMERS, DIET 8 th Int. Conference on LCA in the
Agri-Food Sector, 1-4 Oct 2012
75. Eco-labelling and information asymmetry: independent consumer
information through eco-labels in Bulgaria
Elka Vasileva * , Daniela Ivanova, Stilian Stefanov, Nina Tipova
Department of Economics of Natural Resource, University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria,
Corresponding author. E-mail: elkav@unwe.acad.bg
Third party eco-labelling can serve three functions in the marketplace: 1) it can provide independent evaluation
and endorsement of a product; 2) it can act as a consumer protection tool; and 3) it can be a means of
achieving specific environmental policy goals (Boström and Klintmann, 2008; Nilsson et al., 2004; Rubik
and Frankl, 2005).
Eco-labelling is a means to narrow the information gap: independent third parties assure the consumer that
the producer has complied with published, transparent, environmentally friendly standards. In recent years a
number of critical research studies have been published which evaluate the reliability of eco-labels (Amstel
van Saane et al., 2008; D'Souza et al., 2007; Koos, 2011; Nilsson et al., 2004).
An identification and analysis of third parties eco-labelling foods schemes in Bulgaria is presented. Discussion
focuses on the coverage, promoters/owners and stakeholder inclusion in such schemes, and consideration
of their impartiality, accessibility, independence and transparency. The disclosure of information to consumers
by third parties eco-labelling certification (organic labels) is explored. Conclusions are drawn regarding
their potential role in future shifts towards efficient consumer information practices in Bulgaria.
References
Amstel van Saane M., Driessen P., Glasbergen P., 2008. Eco-labelling and Information Asymmetry: a Comparison
of Five Eco-labels in the Netherlands. Journal of Cleaner Production 16 (3), 263-276.
Boström M., Klintmann M., 2008. Eco Standards, Product Labelling and Green Consumerism, Houndmills:
Palgrave Macmillan.
D'Souza C., Taghian M., Lamb P., Peretiatko R., 2007. Green Decisions: Demographics and Consumer Understanding
of Environmental Labels. International Journal of Consumer Studies. 31 (4), 371 – 376.
Koos S., 2011. Varieties of Environmental Labelling, Market Structures, and Sustainable Consumption
Across Europe: A Comparative Analysis of Organizational and Market Supply Determinants of Environmental-Labelled
Goods. Journal of Consumer Policy. 34, 127 - 159.
Nilsson H., Tuncer B., Thidell A., 2004. The Use of Eco-labelling like Initiatives on Food Products to Promote
Quality Assurance—is There Enough Credibility?. Journal of Cleaner Production. 12, 517–526.
Rubik F, Frankl P., 2005. The Future of Eco-labelling. Making Environmental Product Information Systems
Effective, Sheffield: Greenleaf Publishing Ltd.
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