Based on the EU‘s EmpCo Directive (in force since 27 September 2026), design sustainability communication in a legally compliant manner and make effective use of opportunities
Honorary President Dr. h.c. Brunhilde Schram, MAS, MBA moderated a highly interesting expert discussion with Dr. Martin Prohaska–Marchried, Partner at Taylor Wessing, on this topic on October 29, 2026.
Some of the key messages in telegram style:
- This primarily affects product descriptions in the B2C sector
- Implementation in Austria via the publication of the amendment to the Act Against Unfair Competition in the Federal Law Gazette (Federal Law Gazette I No. 58/2026)
- This prohibits general environmental statements such as climate–neutral, environmentally friendly, ecological, climate–positive or green without a so–called recognised excellent environmental performance
- Sustainability seals without a certification system and all company–owned labels are also prohibited
- Be careful with statements about CO2 compensations, there are first court rulings on forest reforestation projects
- Caution with comparative statements
- Be careful with the designation Green Meeting
- There is an EmpCo certification system for products
If you have any questions, please contact our expert directly by e–mail: m.prohaska@taylorwessing.com
We can already point out a next expert discussion in December 2026, where we will deal with the topic of integrated management systems together with DI Gabrielle Poinsett, expert at Quality Austria. Details to follow in our next newsletter.
Featured image created using Chat GPT.
