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EU Parliament votes to clamp down carbon neutral claims, early obsolescence

(EurActiv, 12 May 2023) The European Parliament voted Thursday (11 May) to support new rules to improve product durability by combatting greenwashing and misleading claims on consumer labels, such as ‘CO2 neutral’ or ‘carbon neutral’.

The proposal for a new directive on empowering consumers for the green transition was voted in plenary by an overwhelming majority of 544 votes in favour, 18 against and 17 abstentions, opening the way for talks with EU member states to finalise the law.

Tabled in March last year, the directive aims to help consumers make environmentally friendly choices and encourage companies to offer them more durable products.

“This proposal aims to strengthen the fight against greenwashing by banning practices that mislead consumers on the actual sustainability of products,” EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders told MEPs during the Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg.

“By doing so, consumers can choose products that are generally better for the environment. This will encourage competition towards more environmentally sustainable products,” he added.

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EurActiv, 12 May 2023: EU Parliament votes to clamp down carbon neutral claims, early obsolescence