Sustainability communication that delivers on its promises—legally sound, credible, and effective.
Many companies are eager to communicate their sustainability achievements—but do so imprecisely. Starting in September 2026, new rules will take effect in Germany: The EmpCo Directive prohibits the use of broad terms such as “climate-neutral,” “environmentally friendly,” or “sustainable” without reliable evidence.
“Environmentally friendly,” “natural,” or “climate-neutral” without evidence of recognized environmental excellence—such as through the EU Ecolabel or EN ISO 14024.
“We are climate-neutral”—without a clear explanation of whether emissions have actually been reduced or merely offset—has been deemed misleading by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) since June 2024.
A sustainability label may only be used if it is based on a certification system that is transparent, open, and monitored by independent third parties.
This applies to all channels: Website content, social media posts, product packaging, press releases, and annual reports.
The Empowering Consumers Directive is currently the only binding EU instrument against greenwashing. It has been in force since March 2024 and will become mandatory on September 27, 2026 (Federal Law Gazette 2026 I No. 43).
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive obligates large companies to provide standardized sustainability reporting in accordance with ESRS. Primarily aimed at investors—but corporate publications on websites may also fall under consumer protection law.
Designed to complement EmpCo, suspended since June 2025. The proposal called for a scientific Ex-ante verification of all environmental claims. Even without this guideline, EmpCo’s strict rules apply.
I help companies make their sustainability communications credible, legally sound, and effective—using a combination of strategic consulting and a proprietary digital verification tool.
I analyze all external communications for greenwashing risks and develop a strategy that honestly communicates sustainability achievements—without leaving any room for legal challenges.
In addition to my consulting services, I use an analysis tool I developed myself that systematically assesses sustainability statements for compliance risks.
Check text manually, via URL, or as full text. Each statement receives a risk assessment based on applicable EU regulations.
A library of typical greenwashing patterns automatically identifies problematic phrasing.
Documents and certificates are centrally assigned to claims—ensuring that every statement is verifiably documented.
From drafting to review to approval: No unverified statement is published.
Revised claims are compared with the original version, including the delta score.
Export results as a PDF or Word document—for the legal department, clients, or internal documentation.
Ensure your communications are in order before the September 2026 deadline—before you receive any warnings.
Know which phrases are still acceptable and which need to be revised.
Develop sustainability-related campaigns and content for clients that are legally sound.
Ensure that public communications are consistent with formal reporting.
The EmpCo Directive was transposed into German law on February 19, 2026 (Federal Law Gazette 2026 I No. 43). Starting September 27, 2026, violations may be subject to warnings and sanctions. Anyone who has not reviewed and updated their sustainability communications by that date is taking an avoidable risk.
I help turn this risk into an opportunity: Credible sustainability communication builds trust—among customers, investors, and the public.