Meaning & use
eco labels
Last updated
“eco labels” is a form of “eco label”.
Meanings
nouncountable
a small mark or sign on a product showing that it is designed to be less harmful to the environment
Grammar: Countable: use 'a/an' or a plural — an eco label, eco labels.
Patterns
- an eco label on something
- carry an eco label
- look for eco labels
The shampoo carries an eco label, so shoppers know it is made with recycled packaging.
Many supermarkets now put eco labels on products that use less water.
Consumers are starting to trust eco labels more than company advertisements.
nouncountabletechnical
a system or official plan for giving such marks to products or companies
Grammar: Countable; often used in the plural when talking about rules or programs — eco labels.
Patterns
- introduce an eco label
- a national eco label
- meet the eco label standards
The government introduced a national eco label for electrical goods.
Companies must meet strict standards to receive the EU eco label.
Word forms
| singular | eco label |
|---|
Common combinations
- carry an eco label
- Only products that carry an eco label are sold in this shop.
- look for eco labels
- When you buy paper, look for eco labels to check it is recycled.
- a national eco label
- The new national eco label helps shoppers choose greener cars.
- eco label standards
- The factory failed to meet eco label standards last year.
Synonyms and how they differ
- green label
- More informal and less official; 'eco label' is the usual term in business and environmental writing.
- environmental certification
- A broader, more formal phrase for the whole process, not just the mark on the product.
Word family
- eco-labelling noun
- the practice of putting eco labels on products
- eco-friendly adjective
- not harmful to the environment
Commonly confused: eco labels or eco label vs eco-friendly?
eco labels vs eco label vs eco-friendly
'Eco label' is the mark itself; 'eco-friendly' describes a product that is good for the environment. A product can be eco-friendly without having an eco label.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'eco labels' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Eco labels' is a plural noun, so it fits as the object of 'check' in sentence B. Option A uses it as a verb, which is not standard. Option C uses it as an adjective, which is wrong. Option D makes no sense because 'eco labels' cannot take an object.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “eco labels”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.