Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s a business imperative. But with the rise of green marketing comes the risk of greenwashing: claims about environmental performance that don’t hold up under scrutiny. Enter the EU Green Claims Directive, an upcoming piece of legislation designed to ensure businesses walk the walk when it comes to their sustainability promises.
For companies operating in the EU, this directive signals a major shift in how environmental claims are made, measured, and communicated. So, what do you need to know, and how can you prepare?
What is the Green Claims Directive?
The Green Claims Directive aims to put an end to misleading or vague environmental claims and create a level playing field for businesses committed to sustainability. Under the directive, any green claim – whether it’s about carbon neutrality, eco-friendly materials, or sustainable practices – must be substantiated by verifiable evidence.
From labels on packaging to claims made in advertising, all statements will need to be backed by rigorous data, independently verified, and made publicly accessible.
Key requirements for compliance
Here’s a breakdown of what the directive most likely will require:
- Independent verification: Claims must be assessed and approved by an accredited third party.
- Clear methodologies: Businesses will need to follow standardised methods for calculating and presenting environmental claims.
- Transparency for consumers: All supporting evidence for claims must be available to the public, enabling informed decision-making.
- Penalties for non-compliance: The directive outlines stricter enforcement measures, including fines and reputational risks for businesses that fail to comply.
Why this matters
For businesses, this is a turning point. The directive doesn’t just raise the bar for compliance; it changes the way companies engage with sustainability altogether. Authenticity and transparency are no longer optional – they’re fundamental to earning consumer trust and staying competitive.
At the same time, preparing for these new requirements comes with challenges. Companies will need to invest in robust data systems, thorough reporting processes, and independent audits to ensure their claims hold water.
Steps to get ahead
While the directive’s implementation is still on the horizon, proactive preparation is key.
Here’s where to start:
- Audit your claims: Take stock of the environmental claims you’re currently making and evaluate their credibility.
- Prioritise your data: Ensure you have reliable, comprehensive data to back your claims – and be ready to share it transparently.
- Engage third-party expertise: Partner with accredited verifiers to validate your claims and identify areas for improvement.
- Embrace the opportunity: Use the directive as a chance to refine your sustainability story and demonstrate leadership in the transition to a greener economy.
Building trust through transparency
At Atmoz, we believe that transparency is the foundation of meaningful climate action. The Green Claims Directive is a crucial step toward building a market where sustainability claims are rooted in reality.
Our platform is designed to simplify the process of measuring, managing, and communicating your environmental impact – helping you stay ahead of regulatory requirements while building trust with your stakeholders.
By preparing now, businesses can not only meet the directive’s requirements but also position themselves as leaders.
