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In an era where 'sustainability' has become a cornerstone of corporate branding, the European Commission is moving to transform environmental marketing from a voluntary practice into a legally binding obligation. The proposed Green Claims Directive marks a pivotal shift in the European Green Deal’s agenda, aiming to eliminate 'greenwashing' and provide a standardised framework for the circular economy. For businesses operating within or exporting to the European Economic Area, the guidance outlines a transition from creative marketing to data-led substantiation. 1. Why 'Eco-Friendly Claims' is No Longer Enough The guidance marks the end of the "vague era." Terms such as 'eco-friendly' , 'sustainable' and 'green' are now considered misleading unless accompanied by specific, measurable evidence. The Commission’s stance is clear: if a claim cannot be verified, it cannot be made. To comply, businesses must narrow their focus. Instead of claiming a product is "better for the planet," they must specify the attribute—for instance, "50% reduction in water consumption during the dyeing process compared to the 2022 baseline." This level of granularity ensures that consumers are not misled by broad, emotive language. 2. The Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) Mandate A fundamental pillar of the new guidance is the requirement for a Life-Cycle Assessment . Businesses can no longer "cherry-pick" positive data. For example, a company cannot claim a bottle is "environmentally superior" because it is plastic-free if the alternative material requires twice the energy to transport and three times the water to manufacture. The assessment must account for: Raw material sourcing: The impact of extraction or cultivation. Manufacturing processes: Energy intensity and chemical usage. Distribution: Carbon footprint associated with logistics. End-of-life: Whether the product is truly recyclable, compostable, or destined for landfill. 3. Pre-Approval and Third-Party Verification Perhaps the most significant administrative change is the introduction of mandatory ex-ante verification . Unlike previous regimes, in which authorities reacted to complaints, the new directive requires claims to be verified before  they reach the consumer. Accredited independent verifiers will be responsible for auditing the scientific data behind every claim. Once satisfied, they will issue a Certificate of Conformity , which is recognised across all EU Member States. This creates a "passport for claims," ensuring that a product verified in Ireland can be sold in France or Germany without undergoing secondary environmental audits. 4. Visual Cues and Implicit Greenwashing The guidance also covers non-verbal communication. The use of nature-inspired imagery—such as green leaves, forests, or endangered animals—on packaging is now under scrutiny. If these images suggest a greater environmental benefit than the product delivers, it may be flagged as implicit greenwashing. Similarly, the use of "earth tones" or specific shades of green to mislead consumers into believing a product is natural will be subject to regulatory review.   Detailed Summary of Regulatory Requirements Regulatory Pillar Detailed Requirement Compliance Standard (UK English) Scientific Substantiation Claims must be based on recognised scientific evidence and state-of-the-art methods. Must use primary data where available; secondary data must be high-quality. Comparative Claims Comparisons between products or competitors must be fair and use equivalent methodologies. Must compare the same functional unit and time period. Carbon Offsetting Claims of "carbon neutrality" via offsetting must be separated from actual emission reductions. Offsets must be high-quality, permanent, and transparently disclosed. Labelling Governance Proliferation of private labels is restricted to prevent "label fatigue." Labels must be transparent, third-party verified, and regularly reviewed. Public Disclosure Information supporting the claim must be made available via a physical link or QR code. Data must be presented in a clear, non-technical summary for consumers. Sanctions & Penalties Member States must impose "effective, proportionate, and dissuasive" penalties. Fines can reach up to 4% of annual turnover in the relevant Member State. Future Promises Claims about future goals (e.g. "Net Zero") require a concrete transition plan. Must include interim milestones and a dedicated budget for implementation. 5. Strategic Implications for UK and Global Exporters While the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)  operates its own 'Green Claims Code', the EU Directive is notably more prescriptive regarding third-party verification. UK businesses must recognise that compliance with British law may not automatically satisfy EU requirements. To prepare, companies should: Organise Internal Data: Centralise all environmental performance data to facilitate easy auditing. Review Supply Chains: Engage with suppliers to ensure they can provide the verified data points required for a Life-Cycle Assessment. Budget for Verification: Recognise that third-party certification will become a standard operational cost for marketing departments. Conclusion: The European Commission's guidance is designed to reward genuine innovation. It ensures that companies truly investing in decarbonisation and resource efficiency are not undercut by competitors using cheap, unsubstantiated marketing tactics. For consumers, it heralds a new age of transparency, where the "green" choice is finally one they can trust.       Reference : https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy-topics/green-claims_en   https://www.insideenergyandenvironment.com/2025/12/the-european-commissions-new-green-claims-guidance-what-businesses-need-to-know/

The global fashion and textile industry is evolving. To meet growing demands for transparency and ethical production, Textile Exchange has introduced its most ambitious initiative, the Materials Matter Standard. This voluntary sustainability framework aims to transform the production and management of raw materials. It establishes a shared industry goal to produce clothing that respects the climate, nature, people, and animals. A Unified Vision for Sustainability For over two decades, Textile Exchange has developed material-specific standards. The introduction of the Materials Matter Standard marks a transition to a more unified, science-based approach. The criteria were developed over five years in collaboration with an International Working Group of brands, retailers, suppliers, and NGOs. The framework was pilot-tested in varied settings, across Peru's highlands to Italian factories, to ensure robustness and practicality. The standard establishes a common industry language. While it acknowledges each producer's unique context, it maintains a strong global benchmark. What Does the Standard Cover? The Materials Matter Standard focuses on the earliest and most impactful stages of the supply chain. It outlines detailed requirements for: Environmental Stewardship: Management of land, water, energy usage, and emissions. Social Responsibility: Ensuring fair and safe working conditions for all individuals involved in textile production. Animal Welfare: Strict requirements for the treatment of livestock. Chemical and Waste Management: Minimizing the environmental impact of primary processing. Currently, the scope includes recycled materials, previously covered by  the Global Recycled Standard  and Recycled Claim Standard , as well as Responsible Animal Fibres  such as wool, alpaca, and mohair. Why It Matters for Brands and Consumers For brands and retailers, this standard provides a transparent framework to support  sustainability claims.  By combining practice- and outcome-based criteria, it enables businesses to credibly verify their impact. While the Materials Matter Standard addresses raw materials, the existing Content Claim Standard (CCS)  will continue to ensure chain of custody and maintain tracking integrity from source to final product. Next Steps and Key Dates The transition has begun, with the final standard scheduled for publication in December 2025. Stakeholders should review current operations, assess gaps relative to the new criteria, and develop plans to achieve compliance. Prepare teams for training, participate in upcoming consultations, and monitor Textile Exchange updates to remain aligned with implementation milestones. 12 December 2025 Materials Matter Standard and Claims and Labeling Policy were published 31 December 2026 The Standard becomes effective ; voluntary audits can begin. 31 December 2027 The Standard becomes mandatory for all relevant prior scopes.   Together, by adopting the Materials Matter Standard, the industry can take tangible steps towards a future where sustainability is not just an aspiration, but a reality achieved through collective effort and commitment.   Reference : https://textileexchange.org/materials-matter-standard/

Industry is quickly changing. Packaging, which used to be overlooked and has now become a main focus. Starting 12 August 2026, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will change how businesses everywhere handle environmental responsibility. The PPWR is more than just a new set of rules. For everyone who works in Manufacturing and Life Sciences, 2026 marks the point when sustainability becomes essential, driven by circular innovation. 1. The Timeline: The Final Countdown to Compliance The move from a directive to a regulation is significant. It ends fragmented national laws and creates one strict standard across the European Union. 12 August 2026 is the official start date. From then on, any packaging sold in the EU must meet unifi ed sustainability, labelling, and technical documentation requirements. The Eradication of PFAS:  At the same time, a strict ban on "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in food-contact packaging will take effect. This is an important step for long-term public health and environmental protection. A Decade of Transformation:  This is just the beginning. By 2030, the "Design for Recycling" (DfR) standard will be required, and by 2035, all packaging must be recycled at a commercial scale. 2. Manufacturing: The Focus on Minimization Under the new regulation, manufacturers are now considered "Producers" and have full Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) . The Mandate for Precision: Extra packaging is now a liability. Manufacturers must show that every bit of packaging is necessary for the product’s integrity. The days of using oversized boxes are ending. Documentation as an Asset:  Technical files and EU Declarations of Conformity  must be kept for up to ten years. In 2026, the data that comes with the package will be checked as carefully as the product itself. 3. Life Sciences: Balancing Clinical Effectiveness with Environmental Responsibility The pharmaceutical and medical device sectors work in a "hybrid" environment. While regulations recognize the importance of patient safety, a complete exemption is not realistic. Safeguarding Public Health:  Some see the recyclability exemptions for primary packaging, like blister packs and sterile barriers, as a "blessing." These rules make sure that sustainability efforts do not compromise clinical sterility or patient outcomes. The Logistical Obligation: However, secondary and tertiary packaging, such as cartons and pallets used in global supply chains, must meet strict minimization standards. The challenge for life sciences is to keep medical-grade protection while adopting more minimal logistics. 4. Strategic Imperatives for a Circular Future True resilience in 2026 will be defined by Circular Innovation. Organisations that succeed in navigating this transition will do so by adopting three core strategies: Digital Product Passports (DPP): The use of QR codes for digital traceability is no longer a luxury. It is a vital tool for providing disposal instructions and ensuring transparency across the value chain. Material Harmonisation: Transitioning from complex multi-layer laminates to mono-material solutions enables easier reclamation and reuse, aligning with the EU’s broader carbon-neutrality objectives. Sustainable Infrastructure: Echoing the "Sponge City" concept, manufacturing facilities are increasingly expected to manage their own environmental impact—such as on-site rainwater attenuation—as part of their broader ESG commitments under the CSRD. Conclusion: Leadership in the New Green Economy The implementation of the PPWR in August 2026 should not be seen as an obstacle to be circumvented but as a catalyst for excellence. It demands a sophisticated re-evaluation of how we protect, transport, and present the fruits of our industry. By preparing the necessary "innovation frameworks" today, your organisation can ensure that when the regulatory environment shifts in 2026, it not only survives the transition but also emerges as a leader in a cleaner, more transparent global market.     Reference : EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation: New Compliance Requirements for E-Commerce | Insights | Greenberg Traurig LLP   https://www.taylorwessing.com/en/insights-and-events/insights/2025/06/what-the-eu-packaging-regulation-means-for-medical-devices   https://www.news-medical.net/whitepaper/20251217/Developments-in-EU-medtech-legislation.aspx   Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation - European Commission

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Building a greener future, one business at a time. Partner with our experts to integrate sustainable practices into your core operations and lead the sustainability transition. Apprenticeship - Copy Writer Provides essential support to ensure the smooth operation of copywriting projects and initiatives. This role involves managing schedules, organizing meetings, handling communications, and maintaining project documentation. Additionally, the intern assists in writing, editing, and proofreading reports, designing and styling reports, and creating media campaigns and catalogues. The intern will also develop social media ads, prepare final reports, and create creative and innovative proposals, offers, and tenders. The goal is to facilitate efficient project workflows and support the copywriting team’s efforts to produce high-quality content for various platforms and campaigns. Mail your CV to: HRindonesia@onepeterson.com JOB DESCRIPTION Write, redact, and proofread a report Designing and styling a report Media campaigns and catalogs Social media ads Assist & support the team in preparing a final report Creating a creative and innovative proposal/offer/tender REQUIREMENTS Degree in Journalistic, English literature, Business Management or a related field Writing, reading, editing and proofreading skills Effective research skills and the ability to tell stories through numbers and stats Strong ability to manage time and organize Awareness of online content and various marketing strategies Ability to adapt to different guidelines, writing styles and brand tones with ease Familiarity with different social media channels to tailor content specific to each platform Up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in the field or domain you’re writing about to make sure your copy is not outdated or irrelevant Experience with collaboration and project management tools to make it easier to collaborate with different team members on multiple projects Experience with search engine optimization (SEO) What Our Ex-Apprentices Say Andi Ghazali, now as Sustainability Consultant at Peterson "My three-month apprenticeship as an admin at Peterson honed my project management skills and deepened my understanding of sustainability. The supportive environment and experienced team led to my advancement to a Junior Sustainability Consultant role here for 2 years and fully release the "Junior" title in 2025. This opportunity has been incredibly rewarding and a testament to the valuable experience gained."

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