The European Green Party has described the European Commission’s decision to withdraw the proposed Green Claims Directive as ‘deeply irresponsible’.
The Commission confirmed the withdrawal of the Green Claims Directive, a key measure aimed at tackling greenwashing, at the end of last week.
European Green Party co-chair Vula Tsetsi described the directive as a means to “give certainty” to consumers that the products they purchase have been produced in a way that respects the environment, accusing the European People’s Party (EPP) of playing a key role in its withdrawal.
‘Undermines trust’
“It is clear that under pressure from the European People’s Party, the European Commission buckled in their efforts to tackle greenwashing,” she said. “It does not even serve the interests of responsible companies, let alone consumers, or the protection of public health.
“Instead of upholding high standards, this move undermines trust and weakens the EU’s credibility in defending the environment and people’s wellbeing. It is an insult to everyone trying to shop responsibly.”
The directive forms part of the broader EU Green Deal, and was proposed following Commission research that indicated that more than half of environmental claims (53%), such as ‘carbon neutral’, ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘zero waste’, are vague, misleading, or unfounded.
Misleading consumers
“This does not help businesses at all,” added European Green Party co-chair Ciarán Cuffe. “It will undercut the decent companies who are trying to reduce pollution and environmental impact. It hands greenwashing companies a blank cheque to mislead consumers.
“Companies, especially in the fashion industry, are also very confused, if not outraged, by what the Commission is doing. They were expecting to have a clear regulatory framework in order to know what is greenwashing, and what is not, to adapt their claims accordingly.”
Cuffe said that the withdrawal of the directive is part of a “broader political pattern” by conservative and right-wing interests on the different aspects of the Green Deal.
“The European Greens demand the full restoration of the Green Claims Directive to ensure that unscrupulous businesses cannot make false marketing claims which deceive their customers, and that honest companies are rewarded,” he said. Read more here.
