ISO 14021 Training | Environmental Claims Certification

Overview

ISO 14021 Self‑Declared Environmental Claims

ISO 14021:2016 is the international standard that specifies requirements for self‑declared environmental claims (Type II environmental labelling) made by manufacturers, retailers, and marketers. It ensures claims are accurate, verifiable, and not misleading, covering common terms like recyclable, recycled content, compostable, low carbon, and energy efficient.

IRClass – IRQS supports organisations with ISO 14021 verification that tests technical basis, evidence quality, and alignment with standard principles. This helps businesses demonstrate transparency and accountability while strengthening trust with consumers, buyers, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Scope of ISO 14021 Verification

IRClass – IRQS provides independent verification on ISO 14021 self‑declared environmental claims, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and alignment with international standards.

Claim identification

Mapping of all environmental claims (statements, symbols, graphics) across products, packaging, and marketing.

Technical basis

Review of data, testing, calculations, and life‑cycle information supporting each claim.

Standards consistency

Assessment against ISO 14021 definitions, conditions, and Amendment 1:2021 carbon‑related guidance.

Principles conformance

Evaluation against accuracy, verifiability, relevance, clarity, and non‑deception principles.

Disclaimers & qualifiers

Check of proper use of qualifiers, percentages, and disclaimers for comparative claims.

Our Approach

A reliable methodology for ISO 14021 verification

Step 1 – Claim identification & review

Compile inventory of claims, classify types, and define verification scope.

Step 2 – Evidence evaluation

Analyse test reports, design data, supplier information, and supporting calculations.

Step 3 – Standards conformance check

Compare claims and evidence with ISO 14021 requirements and carbon guidance.

Step 4 – Site audit / remote validation

Conduct on‑site or remote validation of processes and data controls where needed.

Step 5 – Verification statement issuance

Provide ISO 14021 verification statement with scope, findings, and recommendations.

Our Approach

A reliable methodology for ISO 14021 verification

Step 1 – Claim identification & review

Compile inventory of claims, classify types, and define verification scope.

Step 2 – Evidence evaluation

Analyse test reports, design data, supplier information, and supporting calculations.

Step 3 – Standards conformance check

Compare claims and evidence with ISO 14021 requirements and carbon guidance.

Step 4 – Site audit / remote validation

Conduct on‑site or remote validation of processes and data controls where needed.

Step 5 – Verification statement issuance

Provide ISO 14021 verification statement with scope, findings, and recommendations.

Industries Driving Credible Green Claims

Empowering key sectors through ISO 14021 verification

ISO 14021 is used across consumer industries to communicate environmental attributes responsibly. Verification helps sector leaders demonstrate reliable claims, manage risks, and meet rising expectations from consumers, regulators, and buyers.

Fast‑moving consumer goods

Substantiate recyclability, recycled content, and packaging reduction claims on consumer products.

Retail & e‑commerce

Ensure compliant environmental messaging across private‑label products and online listings.

Packaging & materials

Verify recycled content, recyclability, and compostability claims for packaging materials.

Electronics & appliances

Support energy efficiency, durability, and recycling programme claims.

Textiles & fashion

Clarify recycled fibres and circularity claims across collections.

B2B industrial products

Align claims with buyer specifications and public‑procurement requirements.

Benefits of ISO 14021 Verification

Build credibility, avoid greenwashing

Independent ISO 14021 verification provides validation of environmental claims, enhancing stakeholder confidence.

Verified claims provide clear, evidence‑based environmental information.
Independent checks prevent misleading claims that could trigger regulatory consequences.
Credible messaging builds confidence with consumers, buyers, and regulators.
Supports compliance with global green‑claims guidance and consumer‑protection rules.

Download Our ISO 14021 Training Brochure

ISO 14021 Self‑Declared Environmental Claims – Awareness Training

Stay ahead of green‑claims expectations with our two‑day ISO 14021 Awareness Training. This programme, delivered by IRClass – IRQS, introduces ISO 14021 requirements, claim types, evidence standards, and Amendment 1:2021 carbon guidance. Participants learn how to design verifiable claims, apply life‑cycle considerations, draft clear qualifiers, and establish internal processes to prevent greenwashing and ensure regulatory compliance.

WHY CHOOSE IRClass – IRQS?

Your trusted partner for ISO 14021 verification

01

30+ years of assurance expertise

02

12,000+ clients across sectors

03

280+ auditors and technical experts

04

600+ global professionals

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110,000+ professionals trained

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40+ offices worldwide

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Deep standards expertise

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Recognised verification statements

Frequently Asked Questions

Your ISO 14021 verification questions—answered

ISO 14021 verification is an independent assessment of self‑declared environmental claims to confirm they meet ISO 14021 requirements for accuracy, verifiability, and non‑deception.

ISO 14021 covers self‑declared claims and does not require external verification; organisations seek it voluntarily to enhance credibility and reduce greenwashing risk.

Verification typically covers claim identification, technical evidence, standards conformance, principles application, and proper use of qualifiers and disclaimers.

Common verified claims include recyclable, recycled content, compostable, low/reduced carbon, renewable material, energy efficient, and water efficient claims.

Verification improves claim quality, reveals gaps, and strengthens credibility for environmental messaging used by marketing, sales, and customer‑facing teams.

Get Certified with Confidence!

Start your journey today with trusted experts in certification, assurance, and training who make the process simple, seamless, and stress‑free.

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ISO 14021:2016 + Amd 1:2021 –
Self‑Declared Environmental Claims

ISO 14021 Self‑Declared Environmental Claims