the respective product group / service are selected from a broad range of possible criteria. (For example, the criterion “noise” is relevant for municipal vehicles but not for laundry detergents, while the opposite is true when it comes to the biodegradability of the ingredients.) The criteria and methods used to verify compliance with them are continually examined and updated. The aim is to define criteria in such a way that the best products on the market are able to fulfil them and companies within the sector are thus encouraged to further develop their products. The following aspects are analysed during the development of the criteria: Resource-conserving production (water, energy, (recycled) materials) Sustainable production of raw materials Avoidance of pollutants in products Reduced emissions of harmful substances into the soil, air, water and indoor spaces Reduction of noise and electromagnetic radiation Efficient use and products that use a low level of energy or water Durability, repairability and recyclability Good fitness for use Observance of international standards for occupational safety Return systems and services that enable the common use of products such as car sharing All of the criteria for the award of the environmental label to the individual product groups are published on the Blue Angel website in a transparent way. The website also includes information on the certified products, the suppliers offering them for sale and other background information such as scientific studies and consumer information brochures. The independent certification body – RAL gGmbH – ensures that the certified products and services comply with the relevant criteria. Overall, this means that the Blue Angel is not a seal of quality for the entire product but only for those characteristics of the product that have a clear impact on environmental and health protection. Nevertheless, the Blue Angel serves its desired function as a guide for consumers because it has quickly become a generally accepted standard on the market for environmental protection in many sectors. Environmental characteristics that are not stated in the basic award criteria are not tested. It is also possible that there are products available on the market that meet the criteria but are not labelled with the Blue Angel because it is only awarded by application. The label only compares products with the same intended use (e.g. paper products made out of recycled fibres and virgin fibres, mechanical and chemical drain cleaners, etc.). In contrast, a comparison of