This distinction recognizes manufacturers' commitment to the further reduction of their product's carbon footprint - the amount of carbon emissions (CO2 and other greenhouse gases) produced from its materials and manufacture, transport, use and end of life.

Established in 2007, the carbon reduction label is based on PAS2050, the first internationally-accepted product carbon footprint standard. The Carbon Trust only grants their label to companies with a "reduce it or lose it" clause whereby if they fail to reduce the carbon footprint of the product in two years the Carbon Trust will withdraw the certification.

 Dyson claims that its Airblade hand dryer's total lifetime emissions are equal to those created by watching just over two minutes of television.

"Good design and environmental responsibility go hand in hand," said James Dyson, chief engineer for the company. "As an engineering company, we are constantly reviewing our machines and manufacturing to deliver better performance using less energy and materials."