Proposed EU Legislation Sets Down New Rules for Sustainable Products

Three related legislative proposals on sustainability are on the European Commission’s agenda to be published in December 2021. This blog was originally posted on 28 September, 2021. Further regulatory developments may have occurred after publication. To keep up-to-date with the latest compliance news, sign up to our newsletter. The initiatives will have an impact on a wide range of consumer products placed on the EU market, affecting product design, labeling and marketing. These proposals cover: 1) The sustainable products initiative that aims to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals and make products placed on the EU market more sustainable, durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and energy efficient. For more on the EU’s sustainable products initiative see here. 2) Strengthening the role of consumers in the green transition – a consumer law initiative that aims to help consumers to make informed decisions based on trustworthy and relevant information on the sustainability of products. It also aims to protect consumers against certain unsustainable commercial practices. For more information see here. 3) Substantiating green claims – that aims to standardize the methods companies use to substantiate claims they make about the environmental footprint of their products and services. For more on the EU’s plan to require companies to substantiate environmental claims on their products see here. Want access to more insights and analysis from our expert Knowledge Partner Network? Sign up to our newsletter!