Sustainability labelling schemes: the logic of their claims and their functions for stakeholders
从逻辑角度分析可持续性标签如何作为卖方向买方传达产品特性的主张，并运用图尔敏论证理论探讨这些主张如何被证实或质疑，同时讨论标签对生产者、消费者、政策制定者等不同利益相关者的意义。
Abstract In this paper the author examines the role of labelling and certification schemes in the pursuit of policies to make production and consumption processes more sustainable. From a logical point of view, labels are conceived as claims put forward by sellers to inform buyers about certain characteristics of their products. In the case of sustainability, labels might identify relevant ‘ideals’ to approach and/or significant ‘ills’ to escape. Toulmin's argumentation theory is used to show how claims can be substantiated and challenged. Based on literature on the behaviour of the main stakeholders, the author discusses what labelling means for producers, consumers, policymakers and other groups in society. In the conclusions, attention is drawn to the way in which societal pressure might interact with market forces to shape the information environment for products and services. As a result, the role of sustainability labels might become more differentiated, varying from direct shopping aids to background quality assurances. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.