Eco-labeling and information asymmetry: a comparison of five eco-labels in the Netherlands

M.H.J.W. van Amstel-Van Saane, P.P.J. Driessen, P. Glasbergen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Eco-labels have become commonplace instruments of self-regulation. This paper analyzes five food labels with respect to the reliability of their information. A new method to analyze reliability is developed. For each label, four aspects are examined: (1) mention of biodiversity; (2) reference to rule of law to assure buyers’ confidence; (3) notification of farmers’ compliance; and (4) information on ecological impact. The analysis reveals that eco-labels fail to communicate adequately; they do not diminish the information gap between seller and buyer. The main shortcomings of the eco-labels were found in their ambiguity about environmental themes, their failure to assure the buyer about the product's ecological impact, the insufficient information about producers’ compliance, and presence of recommendations.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)263-276
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Cleaner Production
Volume16
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 2008

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