Services and expertise

Your partner for quality and trust

Find out about our areas of expertise, which focus on labelling in a variety of forms.

Since 1925

We set standards

Whether you are looking for quality products, determining colour shades or researching environmentally friendly offers, we meet the highest standards of reliability, experience, staff competence, care and environmental friendliness.

Our services range from developing and awarding labels to continuous monitoring of the labels. Neutrality and independence make RAL a label of trust in all areas of life.

DEVELOPMENT AND CREATION

We are the first point of contact for the development of reputable labels such as Quality Marks (Gütezeichen) and colour standardisation. With a century of experience, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner, setting the highest quality standards and creating trust.

Below are three practical examples of the "Development and Creation" service:

Guaranteed quality and reliability

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Together with the RAL Quality Assurance Association (RAL Gütegemeinschaft), RAL has developed the Quality Mark for Lightning Protection Systems (Blitzschutzsysteme). This Quality Mark guarantees that qualified installation teams install high-quality protection systems on site - always in accordance with the latest safety regulations.

More visibility in road traffic

Fire engine of the Ratingen fire brigade in RAL colours

RAL

RAL has played a leading role in the development of meaningful and standardised colour systems since 1925. For example, the majority of fire engines in Germany are painted in RAL 3020 (Traffic red). This colour is particularly eye-catching and ensures optimum visibility in road traffic.

Distinctive brand identity

iStockphoto/aprott

Many well-known German companies rely on RAL colours to create a uniform and recognisable corporate design. For example, RAL developed the unmistakable colour RAL 1021 (Colza yellow), which still characterises ADAC vehicles today. RAL 4010 (Telemagenta) is the corporate design colour of Deutsche Telekom AG.

Pixabay/neja5

RAL

iStockphoto/aprott

AWARDING

As an awarding body, RAL ensures that only products and services that meet the high quality requirements of the regulations are awarded the coveted certifications or labels. A transparent awarding process efficiently supports companies in applying and testing their products.

Below are two practical examples of the "Awarding" service:

Environmental label Blue Angel

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The Blue Angel is regarded as the pioneer of environmental labelling systems and is awarded by RAL as a government-approved body. With a brand awareness of 90%, the Blue Angel stands for environmentally friendly products and services that meet strict criteria. Many everyday products – from exercise books to paints and varnishes – carry this environmental label.

Responsibility in the supply chain

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On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, RAL is the awarding and monitoring body for the Green Button. This government label is the first of its kind to systematically check whether companies are fulfilling their responsibility to comply with human rights and environmental standards along their supply chains.

Shutterstock/stockfour

Shutterstock/mimagephotography

MONITORING

Market monitoring and the pursuit of misuse are part of our commitment to a fair, transparent and trustworthy business environment. We promote an environment of integrity and reliability for all stakeholders - consumers, companies, retailers and institutions.

Below are two practical examples of the "Monitoring" service:

Guidance for consumers

Getty Images/Dan Dalton

Many consumers base their purchases on the test results of Stiftung Warentest. On behalf of Stiftung Warentest, RAL is responsible for advertising licensing and monitoring the test logo, and grants licences to use the trademark in test result advertising. RAL also regularly monitors the use of the test logos and investigates misuse.

Environmental label EU Ecolabel

The EU Ecolabel enables consumers to identify products that are better for the environment and their health. The spectrum ranges from cleaning products, textiles, shoes, lubricants, paints and varnishes to campsites. On behalf of the European Commission, RAL evaluates applications for use of the EU Ecolabel and, if the evaluation is positive, concludes the corresponding label use agreements with the applicants.

Getty Images/Dan Dalton