ARTICLE9 April 2021

Swedish Enterprise’s key messages on the Commission’s initiative on Substantiating Green Claims 

The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise welcomes the Commission’s ambition to enable companies to substantiate environmental claims through harmonised and standardised methods. Yet, we want to highlight a few key messages that should be considered when going forward.

Jenny SvärdPhoto: Ulf Börjesson/Ernst Henry Photography AB

This year, the Commission is expected to present a legislative proposal regulating how companies substantiate green claims. The initiative is a part of the Circular Economy Action Plan and aims to harmonise the way in which products’ environmental performance is calculated and communicated. Thereby, the Commission wants to tackle “green wash” and make it easier for consumers as well as commercial and public purchasers to make more sustainable choices. 

The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise welcomes the Commission’s ambition to enable companies to substantiate environmental claims through harmonised and standardised methods. Yet, we want to highlight four key messages that should be considered when going forward. First, when based on transparent communication, market-driven systems remain important for companies substantiating green claims. Second, it is important that the Commission reviews which product groups that should be subject to additional environmental information requirements in relation to expected environmental benefit. Third, legal requirements for environmental and sustainability information for product groups must result in fair competition. Finally, it is imperative that the Commission ensures that its various initiatives are co-ordinated in order to avoid double regulation and uncertainty. 

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Rue du Luxembourg 3
BE-1000 Bruxelles
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Contact our EU Office

Address

Rue du Luxembourg 3
BE-1000 Bruxelles
Subscribe to Business Policy Brief
Contact our EU Office

Address

Rue du Luxembourg 3
BE-1000 Bruxelles
Subscribe to Business Policy Brief
Publisher and editor-in-chief Anna Dalqvist