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Multiplicity of Eco-Labels, Competition, and the Environment

Author

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  • Ben Youssef Adel

    (University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis (GREDEG-CNRS))

  • Abderrazak Chema

    (University of Paris Sud (ADIS))

Abstract

This article develops a vertical differentiation model to study the competition and environmental effects of multiplicity of eco-labels within a given market. The focus is on the informational content of multiple eco-labels and whether or not they reflect the environmental qualities the labels purport to represent. Two settings are considered. In the first setting, which represents the benchmark, we assume information is complete (consumers know the true environmental qualities of the eco-labeled goods). In the second setting, information is incomplete but consumers use price as a signal for environmental qualities. Our results show that when information is complete, introduction of a second eco-label in a market improves the environmental qualities of eco-labeled goods. When information is incomplete, introduction of a second label leads to a rise in prices and a reduction in the environmental qualities of the goods. The latter setting requires specific regulation whereby information must be revealed by a benevolent social planner.

Suggested Citation

  • Ben Youssef Adel & Abderrazak Chema, 2009. "Multiplicity of Eco-Labels, Competition, and the Environment," Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization, De Gruyter, vol. 7(2), pages 1-24, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:7:y:2009:i:2:n:7
    DOI: 10.2202/1542-0485.1271
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Brécard, Dorothée, 2014. "Consumer confusion over the profusion of eco-labels: Lessons from a double differentiation model," Resource and Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 64-84.
    2. Edouard Civel & Nathaly Cruz-Garcia, 2018. "Green, yellow or red lemons? Framed field experiment on houses energy labels perception," Working Papers hal-04141696, HAL.
    3. Anthony Heyes & Sandeep Kapur & Peter W. Kennedy & Steve Martin & John W. Maxwell, 2020. "But What Does It Mean? Competition between Products Carrying Alternative Green Labels When Consumers Are Active Acquirers of Information," Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, University of Chicago Press, vol. 7(2), pages 243-277.
    4. Li, Yuanhao & van 't Veld, Klaas, 2015. "Green, greener, greenest: Eco-label gradation and competition," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 164-176.
    5. Ynte Dam & Janneke Jonge, 2015. "The Positive Side of Negative Labelling," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 38(1), pages 19-38, March.
    6. Suzanne van Osch & Stephen Hynes & Shirra Freeman & Tim O’Higgins, 2019. "Estimating the Public’s Preferences for Sustainable Aquaculture: A Country Comparison," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-24, January.
    7. Edouard Civel & Nathaly Cruz, 2018. "Green, yellow or red lemons? Artefactual field experiment on houses energy labels perception," Working Papers 1809, Chaire Economie du climat.
    8. M. Okimoto, 2020. "Optimal trade strategy of a regional economy by food exports," Papers 2003.04307, arXiv.org.
    9. Ivanova, Daniela, 2018. "Сертификацията – Инструмент За „Зелени“ Комуникации В Глобалната Търговия [Certification - a tool for “green” communications in global trade]," MPRA Paper 96038, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    10. Dorothée Brécard, 2017. "Consumer misperception of eco-labels, green market structure and welfare," Journal of Regulatory Economics, Springer, vol. 51(3), pages 340-364, June.
    11. Hend Ghazzai & R Lahmandi-Ayed, 2018. "Ecolabels: Is More Information Better?," Working Papers hal-01877934, HAL.
    12. Sebastian Koos, 2011. "Varieties of Environmental Labelling, Market Structures, and Sustainable Consumption Across Europe: A Comparative Analysis of Organizational and Market Supply Determinants of Environmental-Labelled Go," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 34(1), pages 127-151, March.
    13. Li, Yi, 2016. "Competing eco-labels and product market competition," 2016 Annual Meeting, July 31-August 2, Boston, Massachusetts 235389, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    14. Poret, Sylvaine, 2019. "Label wars: Competition among NGOs as sustainability standard setters," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 1-18.
    15. Alexis Gutierrez & Thomas F. Thornton, 2014. "Can Consumers Understand Sustainability through Seafood Eco-Labels? A U.S. and UK Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(11), pages 1-23, November.
    16. Mireille Chiroleu-Assouline, 2016. "Multiple Standards: the Case of the French Building Industry," Policy Papers 2016.08, FAERE - French Association of Environmental and Resource Economists.

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