The Parliament Adopts New Law Against Greenwashing

On January 17, 2024, the European Parliament approved a new directive aimed at combating greenwashing and misleading product information. With 593 votes in favor, 21 against, and 14 abstentions, the directive seeks to enhance product labeling and protect consumers from deceptive environmental claims.

The approved directive includes measures to shield consumers from misleading marketing practices, assisting them in making informed purchasing decisions. Specific marketing practices related to greenwashing and premature aging of goods are now added to the list of prohibited trade practices within the European Union.

More Accurate Labeling and Trustworthy Advertising

The focus of the new rules is on making product labels clearer and more reliable. Unsubstantiated environmental claims such as "eco-friendly," "natural," "biodegradable," "climate-neutral," and "eco" are prohibited. Sustainability labels are now regulated, allowing only those with official certifications or established by government agencies.

Furthermore, claiming that a product has a positive environmental impact due to emission compensation is prohibited. Advertisements suggesting that a product has a neutral, smaller, or positive impact on the environment are also banned.

Emphasis on Sustainability and Honest Information

A key objective of the new law is to promote sustainability in production and consumption. There will be increased visibility for warranty information, supported by a new harmonized label drawing attention to goods with an extended warranty period.

Additionally, the directive prohibits unfounded sustainability claims and puts an end to practices encouraging consumers to replace goods sooner than necessary. These measures aim to promote fair information disclosure and encourage more sustainable consumption patterns in the European market.

Europarl.europa.eu