Guidelines for the european sustainable craftsmanship label

The European sustainable craft label was created with the aim of recognising and promoting high-quality artisanal production, ensuring compliance with criteria of environmental sustainability, social inclusion, accessibility and valorisation of local cultural heritage.

This document defines the guidelines for obtaining the label, establishing clear criteria and certification procedures based on recognized standards, such as ISO 9001, 14001, 30415 and ESG criteria.

craftsmanship labels
  • Ensure the quality of artisanal products and their production techniques.
  • Promote environmental sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials and processes.
  • Promote inclusion and accessibility in the artisanal sector.
  • Protect and enhance local cultural heritage through a certification system recognized at European level.
  • Offer greater transparency to the consumer on the origin and production practices.

Artisan Quality

  • Use of artisanal techniques intrinsic to the place of origin and documented.
  • Attention to customer satisfaction.
  • Continuous monitoring through the use of quality indicators.
  • Use of certified materials and traceable production processes.

Environmental Sustainability

  • Use of local and/or renewable raw materials.
  • Actions for waste reduction and implementation of circular economy principles.
  • Minimizing the use of harmful chemicals and efficiently managing natural resources.
  • Continuous monitoring of utility consumption.
  • Climate change

Inclusion and Accessibility

  • Corporate policies that promote the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups.
  • Accessibility to production sites for people with disabilities.
  • Recognition of fair work and adequate contractual conditions for workers.
  • Implementation of corporate practices for diversity and inclusion without discrimination of gender, race and religion.

Valorisation of Local Heritage (Geographical Indications – EU Reg. 2023/2411)

  • Processing based on documented local traditions.
  • Connection with the territory and its cultural specificities.
  • Possible request for protection through Geographical Indications for artisanal and industrial products.
  • Traceability of the production chain to guarantee authenticity and origin.

Transparency and Traceability (ESG Criteria)

  • Clear documentation of the production chain and materials used.
  • Transparent communication of product characteristics and production process.
  • Use of verifiable certification systems to ensure social and environmental responsibility.
  • Adoption of corporate practices compliant with ESG criteria for sustainability and governance .

Certification Request

Interested artisans must present:

  • A detailed description of the product and production techniques.
  • Documentation on the materials used and their provenance.
  • A statement of compliance with established criteria.

Evaluation and Audit

  • An independent commission will evaluate the documentation and products.
  • Audits will be carried out to verify compliance.

 Release of the Trademark

  • The brand will be issued to artisans who comply with the criteria of the guideline.
  • The trademark will be permitted to be used on products, packaging and promotional materials.

Monitoring and Control

  • Periodic checks to verify that standards are maintained.
  • Possibility of revoking the trademark in case of repeated non-compliance.
  • Access to a European network of qualified craftsmen.
  • Greater visibility and recognition of the value of products.
  • Opportunity to participate in joint marketing initiatives.
  • Credibility and trust among consumers thanks to a certified brand.

Checklist for obtaining the European Sustainable Craftsmanship Label

✅ Have you documented the artisan techniques used?
✅ Do you use certified and/or traceable materials?
✅ Do you constantly monitor the quality of your products (tests, checks, customer feedback)?
✅ Do you have a system to collect and manage customer complaints?
✅ Do you have istructions to continuously improve the quality of your products and processes?

✅ Do you use local, renewable or recyclable raw materials?
✅ Have you adopted practices to reduce production waste?
✅ Have you implemented circular economy principles in your production process?
✅ Do you avoid the use of harmful chemicals and safely manage any hazardous waste?
✅ How does your business take into account environmental impact and climate change?

✅ What practices do you adopt to reduce waste or improve energy efficiency in your company?

✅ How do you manage the recycling or disposal of waste materials from your business?

✅ Do you use suppliers who share principles of sustainability and respect for the environment?

✅ Do you have an environmental management system to monitor and improve your environmental performance?

✅ Do you have company policies that promote social inclusion (hiring disadvantaged people, collaboration with local communities, etc.)?
✅ Are your products and workspace accessible to people with disabilities?
✅ Do you offer fair working conditions that respect workers’ rights?
✅ Do you have procedures to ensure an inclusive and non-discriminatory work environment?

EU Reg. 2023/2411 – Geographical Indications for artisanal and industrial products

✅ Is your product linked to a documented local artisan tradition?
✅ Do you use raw materials or techniques specific to your territory?
✅ Are you able to trace and certify the origin of your products?
✅ Have you considered registering your product as a Geographical Indication?

ESG Criteria – Environment, Social, Governance

✅ Do you have clear documentation on the origin of the materials you use?
✅ Do you communicate the characteristics of your product and production process transparently to customers?
✅ Do you use reliable certifications to guarantee the sustainability of your materials?
✅ Do you have clear and responsible governance in the management of your business?

Conclusions

This certification represents an opportunity for the European artisan sector to enhance its excellence, respond to sustainability needs and differentiate itself on the international market. With the support of this guideline, artisans will be able to improve their production practices and ensure sustainable and inclusive growth of the sector.