The Swan ecolabel is founded by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Today, the state-owned company Miljömärkning Sverige is responsible for the Swan Ecolabel on behalf of the government, without profit motive. Swan Ecolabelled products meet environmental requirements for materials such as wood, metal, padding and plastic and are assessed from a lifecycle perspective from raw material to waste. There are also requirements for chemicals used in the manufacturing of the furniture.

The Swan Ecolabel guarantees that the product is more environmentally friendly than comparable alternatives through criteria including energy consumption, use of hazardous chemicals, waste management, and social considerations.

The Swan Ecolabel also aims for a comprehensive assessment of sustainability and environmental performance, including social aspects.