Italian cosmetics company bathes in pride with EU Ecolabel

With a commitment to environmental stewardship, Kroll has secured EU Ecolabel certification for nearly all its products categories. This bold decision has significantly boosted the company’s competitiveness, enhanced its reputation, and expanded its client base, particularly in the growing public procurement market. 

Credit where (green) credit’s due  

Kroll’s journey towards sustainability began in 1986, when the company made the decision to develop products exclusively using raw materials of natural vegetable origin from renewable resources. Over the years, Kroll expanded this vision, achieving certifications such as EMAS and ISO 14001, to validate its commitment to sustainable production processes. 

However, the company sought more, and looked for a label of environmental excellence for their products. . “We realised our sustainability goals required a formal, European-level endorsement,” explains a company spokesperson. “The EU Ecolabel certification allowed us to distinguish our products from greenwashing claims and reinforce our ecological values. This strategic advantage positions us strongly ahead of the Green Claims Directive, ensuring that our products comply with future regulations and mitigating the risk of being associated with greenwashing practices.” 

Leaders on the Italian market 

Achieving EU Ecolabel certification for cosmetics in Italy in 2009 was unprecedented and came with certain challenges. From sourcing certified raw materials and eco-friendly packaging to developing high-performance formulas that met the EU Ecolabel’s stringent criteria, Kroll navigated the process successfully. The company also made a bold commercial decision to replace non-certified products with the Ecolabel version, encouraging customers to prioritise sustainability. 

These efforts positioned Kroll as a trusted leader in the eco-conscious market, with certification serving as a symbol of its commitment to environmental integrity. 

Growth, trust and competitiveness 

Kroll’s decision to pursue EU Ecolabel certification has delivered substantial economic and reputational benefits. The market value of EU Ecolabel products has grown, on average, by 10% compared to non-certified products. The certification has strengthened the company’s position in both domestic and international markets, creating opportunities for collaboration with companies committed to sustainability.  

This has also been particularly evident in the public procurement sector. While Kroll does not compete directly for public contracts, its certified products are purchased by companies that do. This indirect participation in Green Public Procurement (GPP) has expanded Kroll’s client base and increased demand for its products. 

“The EU Ecolabel has not only boosted our visibility but also allowed us to enter markets where sustainability is a key criterion,” notes the spokesperson. “It strengthened our relationships with existing clients and attracted new ones who value eco-friendly solutions.” 

Beyond economic benefits, the certification has solidified Kroll’s reputation as an innovator in sustainability. It has differentiated the company from competitors engaged in greenwashing and reinforced its image as a trusted provider of low-impact, high-performance products. 

Kroll's certified product range includes nine EU Ecolabel-certified cosmetic products, along with two additional items currently in the final stages of certification. One standout product in the professional sector, Omeogel Ecolabel, - formulated using micronised olive stones as an abrasive agent and organically grown olive oil as an emollient exemplifies the company’s innovative approach.  

The company has also revolutionised packaging, cutting plastic use by over 80% compared to traditional options. This holistic commitment to sustainability underscores Kroll’s leadership in eco-friendly innovation. 

Kroll’s tips for sustainable success 

Kroll’s journey highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into every aspect of operations. From selecting eco-friendly suppliers to optimising production processes and reducing waste, the company demonstrates that environmental stewardship requires a cohesive, organisation-wide effort. 

“Achieving EU Ecolabel certification is challenging but rewarding,” the CEO Enrico Pelosin advises. “It demands collaboration across departments and a long-term commitment to sustainability. For businesses willing to embrace this mindset, the results can be transformative.” 

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