Eco-Labelling as a Tool of CSR: Opportunities and Threats

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility is a concept which, although it is developing for many years, it is constantly improved in both terms – theoretical and practical. In theory area are creating new definitions and new areas for action shots and in practice area are sought new instruments that could be used in pro-social activities. In this way, more and more expanding a set of tools that are available for socially responsible companies. In this article will be discuss the eco-labeling, which is an instrument belonging to the traditional set of activities in the framework of CSR. Eco-labeling is relatively poorly described issue in literature. In practical area, we can also find deficiencies. Analyzing the areas of corporate social responsibility calculated by ISO 26000, eco-labeling can be included into the area of the environment, fair operating practices and consumer issues. This shows how multi-dimensional issue is the use of eco-labeling. This fact creates the possibility of assessing this practices of different points of view - companies , consumers and the environment. The purpose of this article is to identify opportunities and risks associated with the use of ecolabelling as a tool of CSR. In this article the authors will show that the activity in the area of eco-labeling not only builds the image of a socially responsible company, but also translates to specific business benefits. In addition, the authors will attempt to assess the proportion of customers for products marked with eco-labeling. Analysis of the problem will be based on the available literature in the field of corporate social responsibility, marketing, sustainable development and environmental protection.