BASF responds to green-marketing confusion

Florham Park, N.J.-based BASF launched its SELECT Eco-Label Manager, a database created to manage the abundance of eco-labels, environmental claims, directories and ratings systems. 

SELECT is an acronym for sustainability, eco-labeling and environmental certification tracking. The service allows the user to search, analyze and compare these programs in a structured format.

"The demand for environmentally preferable products is rapidly evolving and influencing purchasing decisions along entire supply chains,” said Pat Meyer, Senior Product Steward and program leader at BASF. “These purchasing requirements have spawned hundreds of eco-labels and programs from the federal government, large retailers, trade associations and third-party organizations, leading to a lot of confusion.”

The tool includes 100 programs for review, primarily associated with North America, but is continuing to add programs from all regions globally. Examples include Built Green Canada, a residential construction checklist and energy rating system; USGBC LEED programs, and the Green Guides, a set of guidelines established by the Federal Trade Commission to help manufacturers make clear and substantiated marketing claims.

Currently, the tool is available to all BASF employees and preferred BASF customers, stakeholders, the company said.