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EU – New rules for sustainable, durable products and no greenwashing

June 11, 2023

Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable practices and the importance of empowering consumers to make environmentally friendly choices, the European Parliament has taken a significant step forward. Backed by an overwhelming majority, the Parliament has endorsed draft legislation aimed at enhancing product labelling, durability, and combating misleading claims. This legislative proposal, known as the directive on empowering consumers for the green transition, seeks to revolutionize the market by encouraging companies to offer more sustainable and durable products while ensuring consumers have accurate and reliable information.

With a resounding vote of 544 in favor, 18 against, and 17 abstentions, the Parliament has demonstrated its commitment to driving positive change in consumer behavior and promoting a greener economy. This directive, which forms part of the broader circular economy package, is poised to reshape the landscape of sustainable consumption, packaging, and production within the European Union.

At its core, the directive addresses the issue of misleading environmental claims by imposing stricter regulations on general terms like “environmentally friendly,” “natural,” or “biodegradable.” Such claims will only be permitted if accompanied by detailed evidence, eliminating unsubstantiated greenwashing practices. Furthermore, the directive aims to ban environmental claims solely based on carbon offsetting schemes, paving the way for more meaningful and impactful sustainability measures.

To simplify product information and ensure transparency, the directive advocates for the use of sustainability labels that are based on official certification schemes or established by public authorities. By aligning labeling standards with credible and recognized certifications, consumers can easily identify products that meet rigorous environmental criteria, promoting informed decision-making and fostering trust in the marketplace.

Recognizing the problem of early obsolescence, the directive seeks to make products last longer by prohibiting design features that limit a product’s lifespan or result in premature malfunctioning. In addition, producers will be barred from restricting a product’s functionality when used with consumables, spare parts, or accessories made by other companies. This measure aims to promote repairability, encouraging a shift towards a circular economy model and reducing unnecessary waste.

The directive emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and the right to make informed choices. Buyers will be informed of any repair restrictions before purchasing a product, allowing them to assess the potential lifespan and associated costs. To further incentivize durability, a new guarantee label is proposed, which not only indicates the legally required guarantee period but also highlights any additional guarantee extensions offered by producers. This labeling system will effectively showcase high-quality goods and motivate companies to prioritize durability, further driving the transition towards a sustainable future.

The Parliament’s approval of this legislation signifies its commitment to meeting citizens’ expectations for sustainable consumption, packaging, and production. By responding to the demands expressed during the Conference on the Future of Europe, the Parliament aims to foster sustainable growth, innovation, and environmental responsibility. The Council of the EU has also adopted its own negotiating mandate, signaling the initiation of discussions between the Parliament and member states to refine the final content and wording of the directive.

In essence, the directive on empowering consumers for the green transition represents a pivotal moment in the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable European Union. By tackling misleading claims, promoting durability, and enabling informed consumer choices, this legislation sets the stage for a future where environmentally friendly practices are the norm, and businesses are incentivized to prioritize sustainability. With this landmark decision, the European Parliament takes a significant stride towards achieving a more prosperous and eco-conscious society.

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Reference:  European Parliament Press Release, dated 11-May-23.  Parliament backs new rules for sustainable, durable products and no greenwashing 

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20230505IPR85011/parliament-backs-new-rules-for-sustainable-durable-products-and-no-greenwashing#:~:text=Parliament’s%20approved%20negotiating%20mandate%20foresees,not%20come%20with%20detailed%20evidence.

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