„Sustainable"
Annex I No. 2 UCPD as amended by EmpCo (EU 2024/825)
What does it mean?
'Sustainable' is an indefinite term which, without concrete evidence, will be considered misleading from 27 September 2026 under the EmpCo Directive (and already today under § 5 UWG). The Directive classifies generic environmental claims without recognised proof as inadmissible. Under Section 5 UWG and the EmpCo Directive (EU 2024/825), even the use of legally 'natural' ingredients does not justify the claim 'natural yoghurt' if other ingredients are present. In order to advertise in a legally secure manner, the provision of a recognised certificate or the disclosure of measurable data is required. A life cycle assessment according to ISO 14040/14044 or the declaration of the proportion of recycled materials (e.g. 'packaging made from at least 80% recycled plastic') are permissible alternatives. The evidence must be clearly and directly accessible on the same website.
Typical phrasings
- 'Sustainable packaging'
- 'Sustainably produced'
- 'Sustainable fashion – manufactured under fair conditions'
What you can write instead
Instead of 'sustainable fashion': 'Made from 90% organic cotton (GOTS-certified) and recycled polyester.'
Required evidence
- EU Ecolabel (Flower)
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
- Life cycle assessment according to ISO 14040/14044
Rechtsgrundlage (Originalwortlaut)
Anhang I Nr. 4a UCPD (i.d.F. EmpCo) — generische Umweltaussage ohne anerkannte Nachweise
Quelle: Richtlinie (EU) 2024/825 (EmpCo) — verbindlich ist ausschließlich die im Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union veröffentlichte Fassung.
DEDeutsch (amtlich, DE-Fassung Amtsblatt)aufklappenzuklappen
„Treffen einer allgemeinen Umweltaussage, wobei der Gewerbetreibende die anerkannte hervorragende Umweltleistung, auf die sich die Aussage bezieht, nicht nachweisen kann."ENEnglish (Official Journal, EN version)aufklappenzuklappen
„Making a generic environmental claim for which the trader is not able to demonstrate recognised excellent environmental performance relevant to the claim."FRFrançais (Journal officiel, version FR)aufklappenzuklappen
„Présenter une allégation environnementale générique au sujet de laquelle le professionnel n'est pas en mesure de démontrer l'excellente performance environnementale reconnue en rapport avec l'allégation."NLNederlands (Publicatieblad, NL versie)aufklappenzuklappen
„Het maken van een generieke milieuclaim zonder dat de handelaar erkende voortreffelijke milieuprestaties kan aantonen die relevant zijn voor de claim."