Press release | European consumers need a strong Green Claims Directive to deter false claims, but concerning and unverified reports suggest the proposal is in jeopardy. If policymakers do not reach an ambitious agreement, greenwashing will continue, say environmental groups ECOS, ClientEarth, Carbon Market Watch, and the European Environmental Bureau.
Press briefing | On 23 June, EU negotiators are slated to meet for the last time to finalise the proposed Green Claims Directive. What can we expect? What will make the directive environmentally ambitious? Find out in our briefing — or get in touch for more.
Companies that make no changes to their usual practices but claim their products or operations are climate neutral by buying carbon offsetting credits are greenwashing. The European Union recently took the same stance with new rules on green claims and empowering consumers. Our report reveals that a leading international standard rubberstamps practices that contradict these laws and are not aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Press release | Companies that make no changes to their usual practices but claim their products or operations are climate neutral by buying carbon offsetting credits are greenwashing – plain and simple. The European Union recently took the same stance with new rules on green claims and empowering consumers. A report from environmental NGO ECOS [1] reveals that a new international standard rubberstamps practices that are in contradiction to these laws and are not aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement [2].
The European Parliament has voted in favour of a strong Green Claims Directive, confirming its stance before negotiations on the final text – and the EU elections. In its current state, this law would introduce a game-changing legal framework to eliminate greenwashing. However, regrettably, it could already be too late for the file to be finalised before the elections.
The new Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive will put the brakes on unchecked environmental claims in the EU and could usher in a new era for consumers, who may no longer be exposed to a barrage of greenwashing. But major gaps linked to enforcement and verification remain.
It was another busy year for standards and environmental policy in 2023. At ECOS, we took on new challenges, expanded our work programme, and grew the team and network – with our growing impact set to continue into 2024. As we approach the end of the year, here is a snapshot of some key moments from the last 12 months.
Misleading claims on bottles of water packaged in single-use plastics claim that they are “100% recyclable” and/or “made of 100% recycled plastic”. ECOS and ClientEarth are supporting The European Consumer Voice (BEUC) in an external alert to the European Commission and the European network of consumer authorities (CPC-Network) reporting several traders using such misleading claims.
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.
On 31 July 2023, the European Commission adopted the first set of European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). A significant stride towards promoting sustainable practices. These standards - set to be used by all companies under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) - come with a mixed bag of progress made and loopholes to be closed.
ECOS is co-funded by the European Commission and EFTA
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
