02/05/2025
New European legislation is raising the bar for environmental and sustainability claims. To ensure compliance, the Pulastic team is reviewing and updating marketing content where necessary. In addition, relevant certifications and supporting documentation will be made available to provide greater transparency around sustainability-related statements.
Preparing for the New EU EmpCo Legislation
From 27 September 2026, the European Union's new Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (EmpCo) will become fully applicable. The legislation aims to protect consumers from greenwashing and ensure that environmental and sustainability claims are clear, specific, verifiable, and evidence based.
Clearer Sustainability Communication Across Europe
It is important to note that EmpCo is an EU regulation and is not a global law. The directive applies to consumer facing communication in the European Union and the European Economic Area. However, because Pulastic and Sika communicate globally and strive for consistency, many of the principles introduced by EmpCo are being incorporated into our communications across multiple markets.
What does EmpCo mean in practice?
The directive introduces stricter requirements for sustainability related communication. General statements such as "sustainable", "eco friendly", "green", or "environmentally friendly" can no longer be used unless they are supported by clear evidence and appropriate substantiation. Sustainability labels must be based on an approved certification scheme or established by a public authority. The goal is not to limit sustainability communication, but to ensure that customers receive transparent, reliable, and verifiable information when making purchasing decisions.
What is Sika doing?
To ensure compliance with the new requirements, the Pulastic team is currently reviewing and updating website content, brochures, presentations, social media messaging, and other customer facing materials. Sustainability statements are being revised where necessary to ensure they are specific, factual, and supported by objective evidence. In addition, we will continue to provide access to relevant third party certifications, test reports, and verified sustainability documentation. These documents help demonstrate the environmental performance of our products in a transparent and compliant manner.
What does this mean for distributors?
Distributors are encouraged to review local marketing materials and ensure that sustainability related claims are aligned with the new requirements, particularly for communication aimed at consumers within Europe. Where sustainability benefits are communicated, supporting evidence should be available and easy to access. We will continue to support its distributor network by providing updated marketing materials, guidance, and documentation to help ensure consistent and compliant communication across all markets.
Moving Forward
Sustainability remains an important part of the Pulastic proposition. The new legislation does not prevent communicating environmental benefits. Instead, it encourages greater transparency and a stronger focus on facts, evidence, and recognised certifications. By adapting our communications now, we can continue to build trust with customers while meeting evolving regulatory requirements.