Why C2C Certified® remains essential despite the Green Claims Directive’s uncertain future
The European Commission’s plan to withdraw the Green Claims Directive has caused concern in the sustainability community, but our efforts to fight greenwashing continue.
The European Commission’s recent announcement of its intention to withdraw the Green Claims Directive has stirred confusion and concern across the sustainability landscape. The directive, designed to combat greenwashing by requiring companies to substantiate environmental claims, was a key pillar of the EU Green Deal. Yet despite this political turbulence, our resolve to tackle greenwashing remains firm, and Cradle to Cradle Certified® (C2C Certified®) products are more important than ever.
Why C2C Certified® is a strategic anchor
In this moment of regulatory uncertainty, C2C Certified® offers a credible, future-proof alternative to ensure environmental claims remain trustworthy and transparent:
Resilience amid deregulation: With parts of the EU Green Deal under pressure, voluntary leadership becomes even more critical. C2C Certified® enables companies to demonstrate proactive responsibility, regardless of legislative delays.
Independent verification: C2C Certified® requires third-party assessment, ensuring that claims are not only ambitious but also verifiable, precisely the kind of rigour the Green Claims Directive aimed to enforce.
Alignment with broader EU policy: The certification aligns with other key EU frameworks such as the CSRD and ESPR, helping companies stay ahead of compliance requirements even as some texts face revision or simplification.
Market differentiation and trust: As public scrutiny of green claims intensifies, C2C Certified® provides a clear signal of integrity and commitment to circularity, material health, and social fairness.
Leading by Example
The uncertainty surrounding the Green Claims Directive is a reminder that political winds can shift. But our mission to eliminate greenwashing by verifying that products are designed for health, circularity and fairness remains unchanged. By continuing to follow C2C Certified® framework, designers and manufacturers are equipped with science-based tools to create products that are designed for the future.