EU Parliament overwhelmingly supports new sustainability and greenwashing rules

May 12, 2023

With 544 votes to 18, with 17 abstentions, the EU Parliament has backed new legislation aimed at promoting sustainability and ending misleading claims in product labelling.

In a resounding victory for environmental advocates, the European Parliament has backed new legislation to promote sustainability and end misleading claims in product labelling. With an impressive majority of 544 votes to 18 and 17 abstentions, the plenary session approved the proposal for a directive empowering consumers for the green transition.

The main objective of the directive is to assist consumers in making environmentally friendly choices while encouraging companies to offer more durable and sustainable products. One of the key provisions of the legislation is the ban on general environmental claims that lack detailed evidence, such as “environmentally friendly,” “natural,” “biodegradable,” “climate neutral,” or “eco.” Misleading practices will also be prohibited, including claims that apply to only one part of a product or are based solely on carbon offsetting schemes.

To simplify product information and enhance transparency, only sustainability labels based on official certification schemes or established by public authorities will be allowed. This move aims to prevent greenwashing and ensure consumers have reliable and accurate information when purchasing.

Addressing the issue of early obsolescence, the Parliament intends to ban design features that limit a product’s lifespan or cause premature malfunctioning. Manufacturers will also be prohibited from restricting a product’s functionality when used with consumables, spare parts, or accessories from different manufacturers. Furthermore, consumers must be informed of any repair restrictions before purchasing. A new guarantee label will indicate both the legally required guarantee period and any additional extensions producers offer. This labelling system will incentivize companies to focus on durability and highlight high-quality, long-lasting products.

Rapporteur Biljana Borzan expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, ” The industry will no longer profit from making consumer goods that break just as the guarantee period is over. Consumers will have to be provided with information about the options and cost of repairs in a clear manner. Product labels will inform citizens which goods are guaranteed to last longer and producers whose goods are more durable will profit. The jungle of false environmental claims will end as only certified and substantiated ecological claims will be permitted.”

The next step in the process involves negotiations between the European Parliament and member states to finalise the content and wording of the directive. The Council of the EU has already adopted its own negotiating mandate, paving the way for productive discussions.

By enacting this legislation, the European Parliament responds to citizens’ expectations regarding sustainable consumption, packaging, production, and the pursuit of sustainable growth and innovation.

Categories : World Focus

Tags : Biljana Borzan Business EU Parliament Greenwashing Sustainability