Making Sustainable Products the Norm: The European Green Push

Overview

The European Commission is set to introduce the Sustainable Products Initiative (SPI), a key policy under the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan, targeting the establishment of sustainable products as the standard across markets. Scheduled for announcement by the end of 2021, this initiative aims to foster responsible supply chains, reduce waste, and clamp down on greenwashing.

Key Features of the Initiative

• Product Durability & Repairability: Rules to ensure electronics like smartphones and clothing are repairable and long-lasting.
• Ban on Destruction of Unsold Goods: Preventing the wasteful destruction of surplus products, promoting re-use or recycling instead.
• Combatting Greenwashing: Introducing laws to curb misleading environmental claims in product marketing.

The European Environmental Bureau’s (EEB) Position

The EEB advocates for ambitious rules within the SPI framework to benefit consumers and protect the planet. Their position paper emphasizes:

• Integrating social and environmental due diligence into product policies.
• Phasing out hazardous substances in everyday items.
• Increasing transparency around product sustainability to enable informed consumer choices.

Central Element: Product Passport Database

A notable proposal is the creation of a centralized EU-wide product passport database. This system will hold detailed sustainability information on products, including:

• Repairability scores
• Durability metrics
• Resource use details
• Carbon footprint data
• Chemical content
• Compliance with due diligence standards

This digital tool aims to empower consumers, regulators, and businesses by making sustainability data easily accessible.

Context and Future Directions

The SPI is integral to progressing the EU’s circular economy strategy, aiming for a less wasteful, more sustainable consumption and production model. Complementary EEB analyses and policy briefings also explore avenues like sustainable procurement to maximize the initiative’s impact.

About the European Environmental Bureau (EEB)

The EEB is a leading Brussels-based environmental network that influences EU policy to promote ecological sustainability. It engages with members, stakeholders, and policymakers to develop and advocate positions on circular economy and product sustainability issues.

For more information:

• Download the full EEB position paper on “Making Sustainable Products the Norm”
• Visit European Environmental Bureau
• Contact: eeb@eeb.org | Tel: +32 2 289 10 90

This summary reflects content published by the European Environmental Bureau as of June 2021.

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