one more against him greenwashingg in europe. A European Commission project proposes to prohibit brands from placing on the labels of their products that are sustainable, ecological or any reference in that regard. Only companies that manage to an independent organization certifies that, indeed, they meet sustainability criteria and respect for the environment.
The proposal was presented yesterday by the agency’s board of directors. “First of all, we want consumers to get reliable, consistent and verifiable information,” Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European environment commissioner, told a news conference. The official stressed that they intend to prevent brands from taking advantage of the growing concern of their customers about the environmental emergency.
Commission experts studied a sample of 150 green claims on packaging and advertising for products sold in Europe in 2020. 53% showed “vague, misleading or unfounded” information. 40% made “totally unfounded” statements.
They presented some examples: “T-shirt made from recycled plastic bottles”, “Packaging made from 30% recycled plastic”, “Ocean friendly sunscreen”. The initiative against this type of practices of greenwashing (greenwashing) in Europe now needs the approval of the European Parliament and the Council to come into force.
Dissuasive punishments to stop the greenwashing in Europe
The Commission also identified that there are at least 230 different tags that offer a product’s supposed green credentials. This, she said, creates confusion and mistrust in people. To solve this, the project proposes to unify the criteria of the existing labeling and to prohibit new schemes, unless they are developed at the EU level.
Companies that decide to undergo the independent verification process and stamp their green label must also ensure that information on their sustainability commitment is easily accessible. For example, use a QR code or link to a website so that consumers can be aware of what is behind the production chain.
Those who continue to engage in this type of practice of greenwashing in Europe they will be sanctioned. The plan suggests Monetary fines, exclusion from public contracting, or confiscation of income.
Some organizations say the project fell short
Some groups fighting against greenwashing in Europe they consider that the project fell short. They are concerned that the measure presented allows brands to continue promoting their products as “CO2 neutral”. Those who use this claim claim that they offset the carbon dioxide emissions they emit through other ways: planting trees, for example.
“There is no such thing as a ‘CO2 neutral’ plastic water bottle or banana. Carbon neutrality claims are greenwashingpure and simple. It’s a smokescreen”said Monique Goyens, of the BEUC consumer group, to the AFP.
“Planting trees that will take decades to grow is much easier and cheaper, but significantly less effective than reducing emissions.” They believe that a great opportunity has been wasted.
The Commission’s measure against brands that engage in greenwashing in Europe comes to strengthen the “Consumer Rights Directive”, introduced last year. This standard stipulates obligations so that manufacturers do not include misleading information about the social or environmental impact.