The European Parliament plenary approved on May 11th the proposal for a new directive on empowering consumers for the green transition. Its main aim is to help consumers make environmentally friendly choices and encourage companies to offer them more durable and sustainable products. The Council of the EU also adopted its position on the file.
Among the provisions set out in the EP approved negotiating mandate, MEPs have backed a ban on the use of general environmental claims like “environmentally friendly”, “natural”, “biodegradable”, “climate neutral” or “eco” if these do not come with detailed evidence, as well as, prohibiting environmental claims that are based solely on carbon offsetting schemes. Conversely, specific claims such as “packaging biodegradable through home composting in one month” would not fall under this prohibition.
Members States’ ministers within the Competitiveness Council have also finalised their negotiating mandate on the proposed directive, reinforcing consumer rights, banning generic environmental claims, and introducing a European Union harmonised graphic format.
Click here to access the full EP approved text, and here for the EU Council position.