The EU to Crack Down on Greenwashing

EU to Combat Greenwashing The European Union (EU) is preparing to introduce strict rules for products labeled as green, which companies use to emphasize their image of environmental responsibility. The European Commission unveiled a regulatory proposal containing new rules to protect consumers, enable sustainable choices, and put an end to greenwashing. Accordingly, measures will be taken against false information and misleading environmental claims that are described as "greenwashing" and disseminated by companies to emphasize their image of environmental responsibility. Companies will be required to substantiate their green claims about products or services through independent bodies and scientific studies. In this way, the actual environmental impacts of their products will become clear. Terms such as recycled plastic, carbon neutral, and ocean or sea friendly cannot be used without evidence. Consumers will have greater clarity and assurance about whether a product is green. In this way, businesses making efforts to improve the environmental sustainability of their products will be more easily recognized and differentiated. In a study conducted by the EU on greenwashing, 53 percent of products examined for environmental claims in member states were found to be vague, misleading, or unfounded, while 40 percent of products lacked substantiation. The proposal requires approval by the European Parliament (EP) and member states to take effect. Source