Assessment of sustainability labels for food

This dataset includes a comprehensive assessment of sustainability labels for food identified in new products in the EU market for 2021. The assessment addresses general aspects, how environmental and social aspects are addressed, with a focus on life cycle assessment-based labels and the scoring methods in scoring labels. This is a subset of the mapping dataset within this collection and focuses on labels (a) with typology positive endorsement and graded/scoring labels, (b) implemented or at a pilot phase, (c) not referring exclusively to company aspects or to the product’s packaging composition and/or product’s packaging dismantling options (e.g. possibility to recycle or to compost), and (d) not addressing exclusively animal welfare aspects. Organic, GMO-free, geographical origin, quality and vegetarian related logos, logos not related to sustainability components (including taste, suitable for, awards) were excluded from the scope of the characterisation and assessment of the logos. It is possible certain types of identified logos may relate to sustainability practices or impacts but were not included in the assessment. The decision reflects the perspectives of the authors and relates to the needs for evidence in the context of potential future EU policy developments and experts. For instance, organic and geographical origin was not included in the scope of the present analysis as there is already implemented specific EU legislation in these areas.