„Sustainable Growth"
Annex I No. 2 UCPD as amended by EmpCo (EU 2024/825)
What does it mean?
'Sustainable growth' is a term that suggests the compatibility of economic success and environmental responsibility. From 27 September 2026, the EmpCo Directive (EU 2024/825) makes clear that this claim is considered misleading pursuant to § 5 UWG without concrete, measurable and verifiable criteria. It is not sufficient merely to name the objective; companies must demonstrate how they combine growth with a reduction in environmental impact. This can be achieved, for example, by specifying decoupling indicators (e.g. CO₂ emissions per euro of revenue) or by submitting recognised certificates such as B Corp or GRI reports.
Typical phrasings
- 'We pursue a strategy of sustainable growth'
- 'Our company stands for sustainable growth and innovation'
- 'We want to grow sustainably without harming the environment'
What you can write instead
'Revenue increase of 15% with simultaneous reduction of CO₂ emissions (Scope 1+2) by 10% since 2022, verified in accordance with ISO 14064-1.'
Required evidence
- ISO 14064-1 verification of CO₂ reduction
- B Corp certification with focus on environmental standards
- GRI Standards (Global Reporting Initiative) for sustainability reports
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."Does your website use „Sustainable Growth"?
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