Sustainability

Latest News

New consumer rights and product requirements pave the way for more sustainable consumption
Press release
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As a part of the Circular Economy package, two proposals from the European Commission will give new rights to consumers and provide them with easier access to more sustainable and durable products.
New requirements for manufacturers of products will be a tangible improvement for consumers. Manufacturers will have to abide by important sustainability criteria such as durability, repairability, upgradeability and chemicals in their products’ design.
Both proposals also introduce new obligations for companies to present key information about the durability and repairability of their products, making it easier for consumers to find and choose the more sustainable option.
EU Parliament endorses more sustainable batteries: eyes on Council now
Press release
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The European Parliament has overwhelmingly adopted a report to make batteries more sustainable, from the sourcing of materials and durable and reparable design to improved consumer information. BEUC applauds the Parliament for this consumer-friendly move and urges Member States to maintain such level of ambition when they adopt their position.
New EU transport plans are a step in the right direction for consumers
Press release
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The European Commission today unveiled new plans for more efficient and sustainable travel, part of a larger EU strategy on ‘sustainable and smart mobility’. For the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), this is a good step towards cleaning up transport.
Leaders must make climate policy an opportunity to improve people’s lives, say consumer groups as COP26 talks unfold
Press release
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A carbon-cutting climate policy can bring environmental, economic, and social value to the daily lives of consumers. In a new paper, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) provides a path forward for EU governments to translate global commitments on CO2 emissions into policies that make the sustainable choice the easy and affordable choice.

Consumers are increasingly willing to buy sustainable products, especially energy-efficient ones, in order to minimise their impact on the environment. All too often though, confusing information and a great variety of industry claims make this difficult. What makes it even more complicated is the lack of enough sustainable products in EU shops and that they are barely identifiable.

  • Improve the sustainability of products by reducing their impact on the environment
  • Give consumers the possibility to make informed and sustainable choices between different products using independent and verified labels (such as the Ecolabel). Unsustainable products to be taken off the market
  • Reduce the carbon footprint of transport in Europe while ensuring consumers benefit from improved information and cost reductions