The Empowering Consumers Directive (EmpCo) requires companies to communicate environmental claims—“green claims”—in a transparent, verifiable, and evidence-based manner. This requirement has been implemented nationally in Germany under the Unfair Competition Act (UWG) and will take effect at the end of September 2026. This creates uncertainty for many companies: Which claims are still permissible? How do I communicate in compliance? How do I remain tailored to my target audience while staying true to the need for compelling sustainability communication? How and through which channels can I ensure the verifiability of my claims?
For communications and marketing departments, this means in concrete terms: existing statements must be reviewed, messages reworded, and underlying communication processes restructured if necessary. Teams must be empowered and trained for this. Without structured preparation, there is a risk of compliance issues—or missed opportunities to effectively communicate sustainability as a product feature.
Compliance & risk mitigation: You gain legal certainty and protect your brand from accusations of greenwashing and related penalties.
Brand value: You can strengthen customer trust and loyalty through authentic, verifiable sustainability communication and set yourself apart from your competitors.
Clarity on actual environmental value: You gain greater transparency within your company and in external communications regarding verifiable product features and sustainability performance.
We provide comprehensive support for your organization—from defining requirements to implementing communication strategies. Are you just starting to prepare for the new law and aren’t (yet) sure what the requirements will mean for your communication efforts?
Or do you already have an idea but lack the resources to bring it to life? We provide comprehensive support to businesses and start right where you are.
We systematically analyze your existing environmental claims against EmpCo’s requirements and national implementation guidelines. You will receive a detailed assessment: Which claims are valid, and which need to be adjusted or substantiated? This foundation provides clarity for all subsequent steps.
We’ll guide you through the practical implementation—from revamping your sustainability claims to adapting marketing materials and processes. Working closely with your teams, we’ll develop processes that ensure compliance and create content that makes your messaging authentic. With our additional expertise in areas such as product strategy, we’ll also support your development teams so they can provide information on sustainable product features.
Within a company, communication with external parties is typically handled by various stakeholders. To ensure compliance, all relevant departments must be equipped to implement the new guidelines. We provide your colleagues with practical training. The training sessions are tailored to their specific roles and directly address your products and communication materials. You can find more information about our general training services here.
For companies looking to strategically realign their entire sustainability communication, we develop a future-proof communication strategy. This strategy aligns ESG requirements with your business objectives, your overarching communication strategy, and stakeholder expectations—thus transforming sustainability into a strategic opportunity for differentiation, not merely a compliance requirement.
You know how to incorporate the new legislation into your communications.
Your teams have the knowledge and tools to independently revise and develop new communication materials
The environmental performance of your products is well-known in the market and supports your positioning and sales
