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NEWS

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Summary

The European Commission proposed two new laws today to address vague and misleading green claims and promote the repair of goods. The Green Claims Directive will help clear the EU market of unreliable and confusing green marketing, by establishing what companies must do to prove and communicate their green credentials. The Directive on Common Rules Promoting the Repair of Goods will help consumers navigate their options when seeking repair and legitimise the role of independent repairers. However, the EEB regrets the lack of a clear ban on carbon neutral claims and on the use of green claims on products that contain hazardous chemicals. NGOs welcome the proposals but urge the European Parliament and national governments to prioritize these provisions and strengthen the ambitions of the laws.

Q&As

What are the two new EU laws being proposed to protect consumers?
The two new EU laws being proposed to protect consumers are the Green Claims Directive and the Directive on Common Rules Promoting the Repair of Goods.

What provisions does the Green Claims Directive set for companies to back up their claims?
The Green Claims Directive sets minimum rules for companies to back up their claims, including a prohibition to use any product rating system that is not based on EU common rules, minimum transparency requirements for sustainability labels, and a registry of the ecolabels that can be trusted. Companies will also be obliged to provide independent supporting evidence alongside their green claims.

What does the Directive on Common Rules Promoting the Repair of Goods do to increase consumer awareness of their options regarding repair?
The Directive on Common Rules Promoting the Repair of Goods will create an online platform listing repairers, refurbishers, and used-device buyers to help consumers navigate their options when seeking repair.

What changes are being proposed by the EEB and Right to Repair Europe campaign to make the right to repair a reality?
The EEB and Right to Repair Europe campaign are proposing changes to make the right to repair a reality, such as an obligation for each Member State to create an online platform listing repairers, refurbishers, and used-device buyers, and a repair law applicable to all products with ambitions to safeguard consumer autonomy to repair their devices and prevent unnecessary waste.

How can consumers ensure they receive updates from the European Environmental Bureau?
Consumers can ensure they receive updates from the European Environmental Bureau by subscribing to their newsletter.

AI Comments

👍 This article provides an excellent overview of the new EU laws that are being proposed to protect consumers and promote product repair. It is encouraging to see the EU taking action to tackle greenwashing and give consumers more control over their purchases.

👎 This article is missing a clear ban on carbon neutral claims and on the use of green claims on products that contain hazardous chemicals. It is clear that there is still much work to be done to ensure these laws are effective and provide real protection for consumers.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about new EU laws that are set to curtail greenwashing and boost repair. The European Commission proposed two new laws to address vague and misleading green claims, and promote the repair of goods.

Friend: Interesting. What are the implications of the article?

Me: Well, the two new laws will help to clear the EU market of unreliable and confusing green marketing, and will ensure that companies have to provide independent supporting evidence alongside their green claims. The laws will also help to promote the repair of goods, by obliging each Member State to create an online platform listing repairers, refurbishers, and used-device buyers. However, the laws do have some limitations, such as the lack of a clear ban on carbon neutral claims and on the use of green claims on products that contain hazardous chemicals.

Action items

Join the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and become a member to stay informed about the progress of the new EU laws.
Follow the Right to Repair Europe campaign and stay up to date on the progress of the Directive on Common Rules Promoting the Repair of Goods.
Contact your local representatives and urge them to prioritize the ban on carbon neutral claims and on the use of green claims on products that contain hazardous chemicals during the upcoming negotiations on the Directive.

Technical terms

Greenwashing: A term used to describe the practice of companies making misleading or false claims about their environmental practices or products.
Right to Repair: A movement advocating for the right of consumers to repair their own products, rather than having to rely on manufacturers or third-party repair services.
Green Claims Directive: A proposed law by the European Commission to help clear the EU market of unreliable and confusing green marketing, by establishing what companies must do to prove and communicate their green credentials.
Ecolabel: A label given to products that meet certain environmental standards.
Hazardous Chemicals: Chemicals that are known to be toxic or hazardous to human health or the environment.
Circular Economy: A system of production and consumption that is designed to reduce waste and pollution, and to promote the reuse and repair of products.