The number of electronics on the EU market increased by more than 85% between 2013-2021, new Eurostat data reveals [1]. This is leading to a similarly expanding rate of e-waste [2]. A bold and urgent answer is needed from the EU to mitigate environmental damage caused by Europe’s exponentially growing reliance on electronics.
F-gases, not commonly known but commonly used in household appliances like fridges, air conditioners, and heat pumps, will be phased down in the EU – with some types of F-gases banned completely. F-gases are responsible for 2.5% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions – but not for much longer. Today, the European Commission, Parliament, and Council reached a bold agreement on the revised F-Gas Regulation, strengthening the EU’s role as a climate leader.
Media briefing: The EU has long been a global frontrunner in the phase-out of fluorinated refrigerants (F-gases), which are responsible for 2.5% of EU greenhouse gas emissions and the bloc’s primary source of forever chemicals (PFAS). In this week’s final trilogue on the revised F-Gas Regulation, we urge negotiators not to waste this opportunity and ensure that F-gases are phased out in as many sectors and applications as possible.
The EU’s Empowering Consumers Directive [1] will prohibit climate claims that are based on carbon offsetting – successfully achieving its goal of empowering consumers to make environmentally sound decisions. Until now, companies have been able to potentially mislead consumers with claims based only on offsetting. This legislation will be a significant measure against greenwashing.
Media Briefing: How the European Union can protect the environment and our health in its revised F-Gas Regulation.
The proposal for an Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) [1] is unprecedented – aiming to make all products sustainable by default. In today’s vote, the European Parliament has demonstrated willingness to go even further, giving a clear signal that Europeans demand sustainable products. The existing Ecodesign Directive has already successfully reduced the emissions and improved the circularity of many products since its entry into force in 2009. This update will extend those proven victories and sustainability requirements to many more sectors – driving forward implementation of the European Green Deal.
Today, the European Parliament’s ENVI Committee voted to speed up decarbonisation by introducing requirements that would cover the environmental impact of cement in the proposed Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)[1].
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