The EU Empowering Consumers Directive takes effect on 27 Sep, introducing stricter requirements for environmental claims to tackle greenwashing. FSC explains how certification and verified data can support businesses in meeting the new requirements.
The EU Empowering Consumers Directive (EmpCo) will come into force on 27 Sep 2026, introducing stricter requirements for how companies communicate environmental performance.
The rules are intended to protect consumers from misleading environmental messages and strengthen the basis for action by national authorities where businesses cannot substantiate their claims.
For companies, this means broad sustainability statements will face greater scrutiny, increasing the need for clear language and evidence to support environmental communications.
“EmpCo gives companies a clear choice: make environmental claims they can stand behind, or rethink how they communicate. The goal should not be to communicate less, but to communicate with greater precision, transparency and accountability,” said Helen Chepkemoi Too, senior director of markets at the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
What is EmpCo?
The Empowering Consumers Directive is part of the EU’s wider efforts to address misleading environmental claims and improve the reliability of sustainability information provided to consumers.
Under the directive, businesses will need to ensure environmental statements are supported by appropriate evidence. Companies that fail to meet the requirements could face enforcement action, financial penalties and legal consequences.
EmpCo comes as work on the proposed Green Claims Directive remains on hold. FSC said this regulatory uncertainty could lead some companies to reduce environmental communications rather than develop claims supported by stronger evidence.
How certification can help
FSC said its certification system can provide companies with independently verified information about the forest-based materials used in their products. The system is designed to ensure that claims associated with FSC certification are specific and supported by evidence
The organisation issues sustainability labels including FSC 100%, which indicates material from FSC-certified, well-managed forests; FSC Recycled, for products made from recycled material; and FSC Mix, which covers products made from a combination of FSC-certified, recycled and controlled materials.
Its Verified Impact initiative provides additional data that companies and forest managers can use when communicating about areas such as climate action, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.
FSC has also published guidance on its website explaining how its certification system aligns with the EmpCo requirements.
