Green claims guides
From 27 September 2026, Directive (EU) 2024/825 bans offset-based “carbon neutral” claims, generic “eco-friendly” claims without recognised certification, and self-made eco-labels — and requires specific claims like “recyclable” and future targets to be proven. These guides work through what changes, claim by claim, with each rule linked to its text on EUR-Lex.
Current as of 9 July 2026. General information, not legal advice — only the CJEU can interpret the directive with binding force.
Offset-based neutrality claims are banned outright from 27 September 2026 — regardless of credit quality. The exact rule and what to say instead.
Offset neutrality, uncertified generic claims, self-made labels, half-truths and legal minimums — the Annex I bans, with the point number for each.
Generic virtue words are banned unless you hold recognised excellent-performance certification. Three honest routes for your copy.
These specific claims aren’t banned — but you must qualify and evidence each one. How to do it for recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.
Your in-house “eco” badge is out. What counts as a self-made label under Annex I point 2a, and what to use instead.
Forward-looking targets need a clear, objective, independently-verified implementation plan — or they mislead. What Article 6(2)(d) requires.
A practical checklist for proving an environmental claim: specific, true, evidenced, accessible — and on the same medium as the claim.
Two EU instruments, easily confused. Which is adopted and applies from 27 September 2026, and which is a stalled proposal.
Which of your claims break these rules?
Paste your marketing and packaging copy and get a claim-by-claim verdict against Directive (EU) 2024/825 — each flagged claim traced to the rule it engages, with a compliant rewrite.