introduction to research field More than ever, there is a need
for new mechanisms to inform purchasing decisions, differentiate
between products and stimulate product innovation based on
sustainability criteria. Sustainability-based product labelling
and procurement are emerging policy instruments that aim to
fulfil this function and are the focus of this research project.
The market for green products is one of the fastest growing
worldwide. It currently represents around three percent of world
trade (Borregaard and Dufey 2005) and between 2003 and 2005 the
sales of the eco-labelled products increased by 200% within
Europe (European Commission 2006). In Sweden, public procurement
is worth approximately 400 billion Swedish crowns per year
(Swedish Government, 2006). This is equivalent to 20% of the
Swedish GNP while in Europe the figure is equivalent to 16% of
the GNP of member states (European Commission 2007c).
Furthermore, with increasing pressure for public and private
organisations to demonstrate Corpora