Making Sustainable Products the Norm: EU’s Ambitious Move Toward Circularity

The European Commission sets out a new law under the Sustainable Products Initiative. It makes sustainable products the common choice in the EU market. The Commission marks its move in the EU Circular Economy Action Plan. It targets responsible supply chains and stops greenwashing. The announcement comes by the end of 2021. ## Key Highlights of the Sustainable Products Initiative

• Mandatory Repairability and Durability: Smartphones and clothing must be built to last and allow easy fixes. This design helps cut down waste.
• Ban on Destruction of Unsold Goods: The law stops companies from throwing away extra items. It saves resources.
• Anti-Greenwashing Rules: The rules check every claim on product care for nature. They make sure that words match real sustainable actions.

European Environmental Bureau (EEB) Position

The EEB pushes for strong rules that keep consumers and the environment safe. They want to see:

• Social and environmental duties spread across every supply chain.
• Hazardous substances removed from common products.
• Clear facts on how long products last and how green they truly are.

Introduction of a Product Passport

The plan brings a product passport. This tool makes an EU-wide database. It keeps detailed facts about each product. The database lists information on:

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

Consumers use the passport to check products. The ease of checking helps them choose truly sustainable products.

Broader Impact and Related Efforts

The Sustainable Products Initiative works with rules on textile eco-modulation, sustainable buying, and the polluter-pays idea. All these steps build a framework for Europe to change. They help make the economy less wasteful and more circular.

About the European Environmental Bureau (EEB)

The EEB is a well-known non-profit. It fights for a healthier environment all over Europe. Its groups, memberships, and publications work toward sustainable development and circular economy aims.

For More Information

• Access the full EEB position paper and supporting analyses.
• Explore recent news on circular economy policies and advocacy efforts.

Contact:
European Environmental Bureau
Rue des Deux Eglises 14-16, B-1000 Brussels
Email: eeb@eeb.org | Tel: +32 2 289 10 90

References

• European Commission Circular Economy Action Plan (2020)
• EEB Position Paper on Sustainable Products Initiative (June 2021)
• EU Commission announcements on sustainability legislation (2021)

This initiative takes a clear step toward building sustainability into product design and consumer choices. It brings new transparency and real accountability to help shape a greener future.

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