EKO PRODUCT CERTIFICATE AND RELATED SECTORS
Ecological product, also known as organic product, is a certified product in raw, semi-finished or finished form produced in accordance with the methods of organic farming activities in accordance with the principles of the Regulation on the Principles and Application of Organic Agriculture published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in 2010. In addition, it is an agricultural method in which traceability is ensured in the whole process within the conditions defined by laws and regulations, and each data is recorded. Although expressions such as natural, hormone-free, pure or village product are used in general, these do not have any legal basis. Statements that describe a product as organic are only ecological and biological expressions.
Why are pesticides used?
Today, pesticides are used to obtain higher yields from production, to collect the product early, to keep the shelf life of the products longer and similar reasons. Pesticide residues cause various diseases in humans. But just as importantly, water resources are polluted and soils are getting more and more inefficient. In addition to pesticides, hormones used for pollination and plant development, artificial fertilizers, poisons used in storage, food additives combine with other pollution that we create in our lives, and they negatively affect human health as a combined effect.
The reason for using pesticides; Getting higher yield per unit area, extending shelf life, early harvest, etc. In other words, it is used to leave desertification lands, polluted and destroyed water resources to future generations in order to gain more in a few decades. However, these drugs are dangerous substances that can adversely affect human health. These drugs leave residues on the product. Chemical residues on agricultural products cause many different health problems such as cancer, reproductive disorders, gene mutations, nervous system disorders, and immune system damages when we consume them. Studies show that our children are more affected by these chemical residues than adults. These residues can be passed on to babies via breast milk during and after pregnancy.
Which Product Groups Does Ecological Product Certification Cover?
In the industrial, textile, chemical and production fields; Ecological products are a class of products that do not harm nature, can be recycled, do not contain harmful substances to human health and are completely chemical safe. Ecological product certification covers many product groups.
The most basic of these product groups that change day by day;
* Products used in cleaning (Detergents, etc.),
* Textile and clothing products (shoes, clothes, etc.)
* Paints and varnishes,
* Electrical-Electronic products (computers etc.),
* Floor covering products (parquet, carpet, etc.),
* Furniture,
* Garden products (artificial fertilizers, etc.),
* Oils used for lubrication purposes and foods,
* Bedding products (duvet cover, mattress, etc.),
* Papers (photocopy paper, toilet paper, etc.).
Transaction Steps of Companies Issuing Ecological Product Certificate
A company that wants to obtain an Ecological Product Certificate should consider the process steps applied by the relevant company regarding certification and should make preparations according to these process steps before applying.
These process steps are generally;
* Receiving the application form of the company requesting certification,
* Evaluation of environmental benefits related to the product group within the scope of TS EN ISO 14024 standard after application,
* Later, to determine whether the product for which certification is requested is in the correct product group,
* Requesting documents from the manufacturer stating that the products meet the Eco-Label criteria (the criteria required at the time of application),
* Contract with the manufacturer (the company requesting certification),
* Taking samples (samples) of the products from the manufacturer company (the sample must comply with the criteria of the EU Eco-Label Board.),
* Conducting the necessary test, inspection and inspection studies for the products after the contract is signed (The places where the tests are carried out must be in accordance with ISO 17025 Standards or accredited laboratories.),
* As a result of the tests, the producer company is given an Ecological Product Certificate.
With respect to the tests and experiments carried out; Its effects on the environment are examined in all processes from the field to its collection, processing (turning into products), consumption and destruction. However, not every certificate is an "ecological product certificate". In Turkey "Eurepgap" with the alias of "good agricultural practices" and are given certificates in their products. These products are controlled and certified products that are produced with minimum and correct use of chemical inputs and paying attention to hygienic conditions. In other words, they cannot be compared with organic products in terms of health and environmental effects.
"As EKOL Certification Body, you can contact us to benefit from our Organic, ie Ecological Product Certificate service and to have detailed information."