Making Sustainable Products the Norm: EU’s Ambitious Sustainable Products Initiative

Overview

The European Commission will soon launch new laws. They want sustainable products to be the norm in the EU market. This plan—named the Sustainable Products Initiative (SPI)—joins the Circular Economy Action Plan. It works by linking production and consumption in clear, close steps.

Key Objectives

• Combat greenwashing: The law stops false green claims by setting tight, clear rules.
• Promote circularity: It favors products that can be fixed, last long, and use resources wisely, like smartphones and clothing.
• Ban destructive practices: It stops the burning or discarding of unsold goods to cut waste.
• Enhance transparency: It provides simple, true information so consumers know a product’s green value.

European Environmental Bureau (EEB) Position

The EEB supports strong, close rules that protect both people and nature. They see firm laws as the link to a circular economy with less waste. The EEB stresses:

• Social and environmental due diligence: Use these checks to make supply chains fair and clear.
• Substitution of hazardous substances: Find safe alternatives for everyday items.
• Consumer awareness: Give clear, honest details about a product’s green and social impact.

Product Passport: A Centralized EU Database

A key idea in the SPI is the EU-wide product database—also known as the “product passport.” This digital tool will show a product’s green qualities, such as:

• Repairability
• Durability
• Resource use
• Carbon footprint
• Chemical content
• Due diligence status

The design links words and ideas close together. This way, each detail builds on the next. It helps consumers and businesses make smart, informed choices while boosting circular practices.

Broader Context and Related Work

The EEB has also set out ideas on green buying, chemical rules, and the polluter-pays approach. Their work ties these topics together under one goal: a clear, strong standard for all products.

About the European Environmental Bureau (EEB)

The EEB is a well-known non-profit group that works to protect nature. It joins research, talks, and teamwork with EU bodies, groups, and local communities to help the environment.

For more detailed insights and official documents, visit the EEB’s resources and news pages.
Contact: eeb@eeb.org | Phone: +32 2 289 10 90
Follow EEB: LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok | X (formerly Twitter) | Facebook | YouTube

Published: June 14, 2021
Category: Circular Economy, Product Policy, Resource Efficiency, Waste and Recycling
Source: European Environmental Bureau (EEB)

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