Changes to sustainability communication – EmpCo applies from 2026

The EmpCo (Empowering Consumers for a Green Transition) will apply from 2026 – the 27 EU Member States are getting ready for its implementation. Leading industrial nations are translating the new Green Claims rules into practice, with the first concrete legislative texts already published. Read on to learn more about the requirements for upcoming EmpCo-compliant environmental claims:

The new EU Directive (EU) 2024/825 “Empowering Consumers for a Green Transition” (EmpCo / ECGT) becomes binding for all businesses at the point of sale (physical or digital) from September 2026. Starting then, environmental claims such as “plastic-free”, “recyclable”, “microplastic-free” or “XX % recycled content” may only be used if they are scientifically substantiated and verified by independent third-party certification – only EmpCo-compliant certifications will be permitted.

EU Member States must transpose the directive into national law by March 2026. Countries are actively preparing to implement this new level of transparency in environmental marketing and to integrate EmpCo into national legislation by the deadline. Here’s an overview of some economically strong EU countries:

1. Germany
   ➤ Amendment to the Act against Unfair Competition (UWG)
2. France
   ➤ Revision of the Code de la consommation
3. Italy
   ➤ Codice del Consumo to be amended via legislative decree
4. Spain
   ➤ Sustainable consumption law is in preparation
5. Netherlands
   ➤ Civil Code, Book 6 to be adjusted
6. Poland
   ➤ Adjustments to the Act on Unfair Market Practices and Consumer Rights Act
7. Denmark
   ➤ Markedsføringsloven and Forbrugeraftaleloven already have a draft waiting for implementation

In countries such as Germany, Denmark and Spain concrete draft laws on EmpCo are already available – the shared position, as seen for example in excerpts from the German UWG draft, is:

• Sustainability labels may only be used if they are based on a certification system, such as third-party certification like the flustix system, which guarantees verification by independent bodies.

A certification system is a third-party verification system that confirms a product, process or business activity meets specific requirements, enabling the use of a relevant sustainability label. The system’s conditions, including its requirements, must be publicly accessible and meet the following criteria:

1. The system is open to all businesses under transparent, fair and non-discriminatory conditions,
2. The requirements are developed by the certification scheme owner in consultation with relevant experts and stakeholders,
3. The system must define procedures for dealing with violations of its requirements, and it must provide for the withdrawal or suspension of the use of the sustainability label by the business in the event of non-compliance with the system’s requirements.
4. The monitoring of a trader’s compliance with the requirements of the system shall be subject to an objective procedure and shall be carried out by a third party whose competence and independence from both the scheme owner and the trader are based on international or Union-wide standards and procedures, or on the standards and procedures of a Member State of the European Union.

EmpCo mandates third-party certification – flustix provides the solution

With the start of Directive (EU) 2024/825 (Empowering Consumers for a Green Transition), the era of self-made labels and unchecked sustainability claims will come to an end. From 2026, all environmental claims on products or in marketing must be proven through EmpCo-compliant, independent, standards-based third-party certification to be legally valid.

How prepared is industry? – There is an urgent need for action!

A recent study by The Goodwins (2025) shows: over 50 % of current environmental claims would be considered greenwashing under EmpCo criteria – in beverages and consumer goods, the figure rises to as much as 75 %.

flustix provides security with its independent system under the EU Directive “Empowering Consumers for a Green Transition”

As an established and recognised certification system, flustix offers businesses exactly what EmpCo requires:

✓ Recognised third-party certification
✓ Verifiable environmental claims
✓ Independent testing based on widely recognised standards
✓ Transparent documentation
✓ Proven solutions – also for complex supply chains through sub-licensing

Don’t take unnecessary risks: Certify! – with flustix

flustix works exclusively with accredited and independent certification bodies and testing laboratories, providing clear third-party certifications. This ensures credible claims and trusted certification marks for statements such as “microplastic-free”, “plastic-free”, “recyclable” or “XX % recycled content”.
The flustix system is tried and tested: over 150 certifications in more than five years, using scientifically validated methods.

Act now

We strongly recommend starting the certification process immediately – with a third-party certification such as the flustix seals. Why? Because the products that will be positioned and advertised on the market in 2026 are already being developed today.

Conclusion: Use EmpCo as an opportunity!

The EU Directive Empowering Consumers for a Green Transition will significantly limit, or even eliminate, greenwashing and self-declared claims in the form of self-made seals. However, the need for credible and transparent sustainability communication – based on objective verification – remains strong.
Those who act now will clearly lead at the POS from 2026 onwards, build consumer loyalty, attract new customers, avoid legal risk, and strengthen brand trust – resulting in a clear competitive advantage.
flustix delivers the practical, efficient and secure solutions required: compliant, trustworthy, transparent, and competitive.

www.flustix.com – together for honest environmental communication.