EU Greenwashing Directive must be swiftly made Irish Law

Senator Rebecca Moynihan
17 January 2024

Labour’s Climate spokesperson Senator Rebecca Moynihan has today welcomed news that the European Parliament has overwhelmingly passed the EU Directive to ban misleading environmental claims on products.

Senator Moynihan said:

“Under the Directive, deceptive practices such as labelling products as “environmentally friendly,” “natural,” or “biodegradable” without concrete evidence will be banned. The Directive, aimed at fostering transparency for consumers and accountability for manufacturers, is a pivotal step towards promoting genuine sustainability in the marketplace.

“The urgency to adopt this directive in Irish law cannot be overstated, as it holds the key to curbing the widespread misrepresentation perpetuated by corporations. It marks a turning point in ensuring that consumers are not misled by false advertising and that companies are held accountable for their environmental assertions.

“For far too long, companies have enjoyed the liberty of slapping ‘green’ labels on their products without any credible proof. Consumers deserve accurate information about the environmental impact of the products they purchase. It is high time we put an end to the era of unchecked greenwashing.

“In light of the urgency surrounding the climate crisis, we call upon the Irish Government to expedite the transposition of this EU directive into Irish law. Swift implementation is essential to fortify consumer confidence, promote fair business practices, and make a decisive stand against the deceptive marketing tactics that have characterised the era of unchecked greenwashing. The time for action is now, and the adoption of this directive will be a significant stride towards a more sustainable and transparent future for all.”

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