EU to ban ‘climate neutral’ claims by 2026

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🗞️ Driving the news: The EU plans to implement stringent regulations by 2026 to curtail greenwashing, prohibiting companies from using broad environmental claims like “climate neutral” or “eco” unless they can substantiate these claims accurately

🔭 The context: The enactment of these rules still mandates the approval of the EU parliament and member states, although such approval is typically a formality
• If approved, they would ban claims related to emissions offsetting and unapproved green labels, marking the EU as the strictest region globally concerning green claims to the public

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This development is crucial in combating misleading green claims, ensuring transparency and helping consumers make informed choices, thereby fostering genuine sustainability practices

⏭️ What’s next: Ongoing political debates and pushback could potentially impact the final outcomes of the proposed rules
• Conservative politicians, in particular, are campaigning against climate regulation, posing potential hindrances to upcoming climate legislation in Brussels

💬 One quote: “Carbon neutral claims are greenwashing… The truth is that these claims are scientifically incorrect and should never be used.” (Ursula Pachl, deputy director of The European Consumer Organization)

📈 One stat: The 2026 regulations are part of the EU’s broader ambitions to achieve net zero emissions by 2050

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