Making Sustainable Products the Norm: Overview of the EEB Position on EU Policy

Introduction

The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) advocates for ambitious EU legislation to make sustainable products the standard across Europe. This aligns with the European Commission’s upcoming Sustainable Products Initiative (SPI), which aims to foster responsible supply chains and combat greenwashing. The SPI is a key element of the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and is expected to roll out by the end of 2021. ## Key Objectives of the Sustainable Products Initiative

• Promote durability and reparability: Encourage the design of smartphones, clothing, and other goods to be repairable and long-lasting.
• Prevent waste: Enforce bans on destroying unsold goods, minimizing unnecessary waste.
• Combat greenwashing: Establish clear legal boundaries to prevent misleading environmental claims.
• Support circular economy models: Transition Europe toward a less wasteful economic system where resources are reused and recycled efficiently.

EEB’s Recommendations and Analysis

The EEB highlights the need for:

• Ambitious and enforceable rules protecting consumers and the environment.
• Inclusion of social and environmental due diligence in product manufacturing and supply chains.
• Substitution of hazardous substances in everyday products to reduce health and environmental risks.
• Transparency in product information to empower sustainable consumer choices.

Centralized EU Product Database

A top priority is creating an EU-wide product passport database. This centralized system would provide transparent data on:

• Product repairability and durability
• Resource and carbon footprints
• Chemical content
• Compliance with due diligence standards

Such transparency is expected to drive consumer awareness and responsible purchasing decisions.

Related EEB Work and Resources

The EEB also offers policy briefings on sustainable procurement strategies and engages in ongoing advocacy, including:

• Calls for strong eco-modulation in textile legislation.
• Responses to consultations on chemicals policies.
• Contributions to EU agriculture and environment council meetings.

About the European Environmental Bureau (EEB)

• A leading non-profit environmental network based in Brussels.
• Works across multiple areas including circular economy, chemicals, resource efficiency, and waste management.
• Funded in part by the European Union.

Conclusion

The Sustainable Products Initiative represents a transformative opportunity for Europe to lead on environmental sustainability through product policy reform. The EEB calls for robust measures that make sustainable products the norm, ensuring a greener economy and empowered consumers.

For more information and access to EEB resources, visit eeb.org.
Contact: eeb@eeb.org | Tel: +32 2 289 10 90

Published June 14, 2021 — European Environmental Bureau

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