Greenwashing is rampant as companies try to cash in on consumer demand.
As we have been reporting and as this article discusses, the EU is finalizing its Green Claims Directive (the GCD) and the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (the ECGT) to commence at the beginning of 2025.
These laws serve as the foundation of other EU laws and standards (including ISO standards that we deliver).
In short – Explicit environmental claims will need to be verified under certification schemes – before being made publicly available or displayed. More specifically, an independent third-party which is not engaged in any activity that may conflict with their judgement or integrity – would need to verify the claim.
Other governments have passed similar laws that connect certification + 3rd party verification.
In effect, if you are making green or environmental or sustainable or eco claims and are not certified and 3rd party verified under a globally-respected standard, you are deemed to be greenwashing and at risk of lawsuits and fines.
If you want to satisfy consumer demand but not be called out for greenwashing, read this on what you want in a sustainability program, watch this master class, and contact us.