Anti-Greenwashing Law 2026
End of misleading environmental advertising: What changes for consumers.
Banned
Unsubstantiated environmental claims
Allowed
Certified labels
Fines
For violations
Banned Terms (Without Evidence)
"Climate Neutral"
Prohibited without recognized certification
"Eco-friendly"
Too general, not verifiable
"Ecological/Eco"
Only allowed with EU Organic label
"CO2 Offset"
Offsetting alone is not enough
"Green Product"
No measurable statement
"Sustainable"
Misleading without evidence
Recognized Environmental Labels
EU Organic Label
Food
Blue Angel
Various products
FSC
Wood & Paper
EU Ecolabel
Various products
GOTS
Textiles
What Changes for You
More Transparency
Environmental claims must be specific and verifiable in future. "Less plastic than before" instead of "eco-friendly".
Real Sustainability
Companies must actually act, not just buy CO2 certificates. Offsetting alone is no longer enough.
Enforcement
Consumer protection and competition associations can take action against greenwashing more easily.
Label Clarity
Only recognized, controlled labels may be used. Private "eco labels" are more strictly checked.
How to Recognize Greenwashing
- - General terms without specific evidence
- - Self-created labels without external control
- - Focus on one aspect, rest hidden
- - "Climate neutral" only through offsetting
- - Green packaging, but not green product
Frequently Asked Questions
What is greenwashing?
Greenwashing refers to misleading environmental advertising - when companies portray products as more environmentally friendly than they are. Examples: 'climate neutral' through questionable offsetting, 'natural' for chemical products.
Which terms are banned in 2026?
Non-specific terms like 'climate neutral', 'eco-friendly', 'ecological', 'sustainable' or 'CO2 neutral' without recognized certification and verifiable evidence are now prohibited.
What happens for violations?
Companies face fines and legal action. Consumers can complain to consumer protection agencies or competition associations. Competitors can sue.
Which labels are still allowed?
Recognized, state-controlled labels like EU Organic, Blue Angel, FSC or the EU Ecolabel are still permitted. Private labels must meet strict criteria.
When do the new rules apply?
The EU directive for strengthening consumers for the green transition takes effect in stages. First bans apply from 2026, full implementation by 2027.