The European Commission takes the next step to improve consumer protection and fostering a greener European future. Vice-President for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová and Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders presented their initiative, which will improve durability of products and ban greenwashing practices.

The liberal Commissioners put the consumers at the centre of their proposal. Their initiative focuses on amending the existing Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD) to ban greenwashing. Too often companies use ‘green’ labels and investments under false pretenses, which mislead consumers.

Consumers will have a better knowledge of the lifespan of products, repair options (including a reparability score) and durability of its different components with a commercial guarantee of at least two years. Also, logos and labels will be subject to sustainability criterion.

It is another proof of liberals taking action and implementing important steps towards a more durable and sustainable future.

“We are supporting consumers who increasingly want to choose products that last longer and can be repaired. We must ensure that their commitment is not hampered by misleading information. These new tools make sure consumers make informed choices,” stated Jourová.

Reynders reacted:

“If we do not start consuming more sustainably, we will not achieve our European Green Deal goals. To become the real actors of the green transition, consumers must have a right to information to make sustainable choices. They must also be protected against unfair commercial practices which abuse their interest in buying green,” reacted Reynders

You can re-watch the press conference here.

We support #consumers who increasingly want to choose products that last longer and can be repaired. It is good for the environment and leads to more conscious consumption.
Consumers can be promoters of change.

👉https://t.co/kJRbA98RuM#CircularEconomy #EUGreenDeal pic.twitter.com/FCsR9uKsAk

— Věra Jourová (@VeraJourova) March 30, 2022

To become the actors of the green transition #EUGreenDeal, consumers must have the right information. Today’s initiative ensures that consumers can take informed/environment-friendly choices when shopping, are protected against practices preventing them from making these choices. pic.twitter.com/QVsO0tF6xg

— Didier Reynders (@dreynders) March 30, 2022