The EU regulations can be a pain in the behind. Let’s face it, the Green New Deal was drafted to combat climate change and environmental degradation.
With (mind-blowing🤯) goals!
- 0 net emission of greenhouse gas by 2050.
- Economic growth decoupled from resource use.
- No person and no place left behind.
And (an astronomical) budget to finance it – €1.8 trillion. Yes, that much will be invested into business using eco-friendly strategies.
👀👀👀 – this is me looking at you 👀👀👀.
As a conscious business, having your 4Ps (Planet, People, Purpose, Profit) navigating your (sometimes murky) path, making sure you’re on the right track can be tricky.
And with a gazillion directives how does a EU based business know what applies to them and what to do to comply?
There is just so much to learn.
But there is no need to panic. Because you’ve still got time to make things right. But why mid July, you ask. Because some of the EU Green Deal regulation took place on July 18th, 2024 and some businesses didn’t even know about it. How I know? They told me so.
Many purpose driven brands across the EU said
“I didn’t read it”.
“Does it really affect us?”.
” I read a bit but didn’t get it”.
For you to be still reading it means some of their statements resonated with you.
And thus, I took it upon myself to distill these mystical practices, into digestible bits. And I’ve added useful link that break down each directive of the European Green Deal.
Those will help you understand which apply for you and your business. While guiding you about next steps based on your needs.
Everything you’ll read here started out with 1 goal – to help you, the conscious businesses not only navigate the ever-shifting realms of EU regulations, but also ascend as luminous beacons of sustainability. The EU is calling upon you.
Will you take the call for eco-conscious leadership?
But before I take you on the wild sustainability ride, let’s talk about why it matters. If you’re reading this and already know why, skip to the juicy part.
Why do eco-friendly strategies matter for your business?
Stay Ahead of Regulations: With EU rules constantly changing, these practices can help you navigate compliance smoothly and avoid any nasty surprises.
Lead in Sustainability: By committing to eco-friendly practices, you can stand out as a sustainability leader, attracting customers who care about the planet.
Boost Your Brand: A unique approach can set your brand apart, making it more appealing to consumers looking for something special.
Engage Your Team: These practices can create a positive work culture, keeping your employees motivated and happy, which is great for productivity.
Future-Proof Your Business: By focusing on sustainability, you’re not just helping the planet; you’re also ensuring your business thrives in the long run.
Meet Consumer Expectations: Today’s consumers are more eco-conscious than ever. By adopting these practices, you can meet their demands and drive sales.
In short, integrating eco-friendly practices isn’t just good for the planet—it’s a smart move for your business! A win – win, no?
7 EU Eco-Friendly Strategies
1. Embrace Deforestation-free Magic
Deforestation?
Me? I have nothing to do with that.
How about your supply chain?
Think of deforestation in your products – timber, cocoa, soy, and palm oil.
Those should be sourced from the cool kids, aka sustainable pals. Say goodbye to boring linear packaging and hello to circular economy magic!
Who is affected?
Producers and traders. Specifically, companies will be required to conduct supply chain assessments to ensure they do not engage in production on deforested or degraded land. Read the full directive here.
Interested in Bridging the Gap between your System and EUDR Requirements?
I came across an end-to-end solution that might be the right fit for you. Check Live-EO out.
(I’m not affiliated with them.)
2. Embrace the Circle of Renewal
Durability, reuse, and recyclability are the new black.
Yay, finally! For a purposed-driven business like yours, this is music to your ears.
Basically the EU is telling you – Go ahead and continue embracing the eternal dance of circularity.
Want to know more about what’s currently happening in packaging?
1. Check out this report by StartUs-insights.
2. Read Sustainable Packaging News Magazine April 2024 issue.
(I’m not affiliated with any of them.)
3. Secure the Essence of Materials
Sourcing Critical Raw material is what the EU is trying to embrace. And to do that they have a goal – To make sustainable products the norm.
Let’s secure some critical raw materials and shake up those supply chains for a sustainable makeover.
Here is the full communication from the commission.
4. Food and textile waste, your days are numbered
As the Waste Framework Directive unfurls its sacred words, businesses must heed the call to diminish the specters of textile and food waste. The idea is to make waste become treasure. This lessens the toll on the earth’s breath.
And the EU is helping with the implementation too. Take a look at their report for each country. You can even find which ones are at risk and how to properly navigate the directive according to your country’s needs.
The Waste Framework Directive is on a mission to cut down on shenanigans.
The goal? To try and prevent waste as much s possible. Sending waste to landfill should be our last resort!
5. Illuminate the Path of Sustainability
Get ready for some intense sustainability reporting – it’s time to show off those green credentials!
Companies subject to the CSRD will have to report according to European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The standards are developed in a draft form by the EFRAG, previously known as the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group.
-EFRAG
For the longest time you’ve heard that your folks want to hear all about your sustainability efforts. And now the EU is asking you to tell the whole world all about it too.
Crafting Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, with threads of truth, unveiling the tapestry of your noble deeds.
6. Craft with the Earth’s Blessings
Oh, and don’t forget about Eco-design – Sustainable Products Regulation. That’s how the EU is encouraging you, the conscious business, to imbue the essence of sustainability in your solutions.
The New Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation entered into force yesterday, on July 18th 2024.
Key Goals You need To Know
- Reparability: Make products easy to repair.
- Reusability: Ensure products can be used multiple times.
- Upgradability: Allow products to be updated with new components.
- Durability: Design products to last longer and withstand wear and tear.
- Transparency: Improve the availability of information on product sustainability.
- Energy and Resource Efficiency: Use fewer resources and energy in production.
- Environmental Footprint: Set rules to minimize carbon and environmental impacts.
- Circularity: Address substances that inhibit recycling and increase recycled content.
Products need to be top-notch in circularity, energy performance, and eco-friendliness.
What to Consider
- Life-cycle Thinking: Consider the entire life-cycle of your products, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal.
- Regulatory Compliance: Stay updated with the latest regulations and ensure your products meet the required standards.
- Innovation: Invest in research and development to find new ways to improve product sustainability.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and regulators, to promote sustainable practices.
Curious about implementation?
Check out this report by the EU.
7. Align with Nature’s Symphony
Lastly, cozy up to the EU Taxonomy for a stamp of approval on your green efforts.
“In 2023, around 600 European companies reported capital investments into Taxonomy-aligned activities of €191bn. Thus far in 2024, companies have already reported €249bn, signaling significant growth.”
-The EU Taxonomy’s Report
Thankfully for conscious businesses, like yours, harmonizing your ventures with the song of the earth is not that hard. After all, for the most part you’re already on the right track, aren’t you.
And so, letting your deeds resonate with the criteria of sustainability, unlocking the gates to eco-friendly prosperity, makes sense.
Need the EU taxonomy explained? Find more info here.
By tapping into the source of cosmic harmony, your business can answer the demand for eco-conscious leadership.
To Sum up the 7 EU Eco-Friendly Strategies
1. Embrace Deforestation-Free Magic.
2. Embrace the Circle of Renewal.
3. Secure the Essence of Materials.
4. Reduse Food and textile waste.
5. Illuminate the Path of Sustainability.
6. Craft with the Earth’s Blessings.
7. Align with Nature’s Symphony.
Were you familiar with these 7 EU Eco-Friendly Strategies? Are you the sustainability superstars your ideal clients rave about?
🥂To your success!
Your cheerleader for life, Darina.
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