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Limits to labels: the role of eco-labels in the assessment of product sustainability and routes to sustainable consumption Horne, R 2009, 'Limits to labels: the role of eco-labels in the assessment of product sustainability and routes to sustainable consumption', International Journal of Consumer Studies, vol. 33, no. 2009, pp. 175-182. Document type: Journal Article Collection: Journal Articles Title Limits to labels: the role of eco-labels in the assessment of product sustainability and routes to sustainable consumption Author(s) Horne, R Year 2009 Journal name International Journal of Consumer Studies Volume number 33 Issue number 2009 Start page 175 End page 182 Total pages 8 Publisher Blackwell Science Abstract There has been rapid development in the methods, data and protocols for the assessment of product sustainability over the past decade. Notwithstanding this welcome development, the widespread provision of sustainable products has not occurred. Moreover, indications from a myriad of surveys suggest that consumers remain full of intent to purchase sustainably, yet these stated preferences have not translated into a widespread uptake in the purchase of more sustainable products. Heightened interest in climate change over the past couple of years has led to rising calls for labelling to allow consumers to differentiate between more or less sustainable options. Such calls apparently assume that if consumers are presented with appropriate label information their purchases will change and more sustainable purchasing will result. For many observers these calls bring more than a ring of déjà vu as the failures (or at least unfulfilled expectations) of environmental labelling schemes of the past spring to mind. A review and assessment of eco-labelling schemes is presented. Discussion focuses on the history, successes and failures of such schemes, and consideration of their potential role (or not) in future shifts towards sustainable consumption. Behavioural, social practice, institutional and infrastructure factors are considered and labelling, legislation and other options are explored. Conclusions are drawn regarding potential routes to sustainable consumption, with particular reference to eco-labels. Subject Design Innovation Keyword(s) product eco-labels sustainable consumption DOI - identifier 10.1111/j.1470-6431.2009.00752.x Copyright notice © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd ISSN 1470-6423 Related Links Link Description http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1470-6431.2009.00752.x Link to Published Version   Versions Version Filter Type Thu, 16 Dec 2010, 13:30:29 EST Wed, 18 Jun 2014, 00:11:12 EST Filtered Full Altmetric details: Access Statistics: 126 Abstract Views  -  Detailed Statistics Created: Thu, 16 Dec 2010, 10:56:00 EST by Catalyst Administrator