Italian MEP Stefano Cavedagna (ECR) has raised concerns that the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) Directive, set to apply from 27 September 2026, could inadvertently increase food and packaging waste by forcing businesses to relabel, repackage, or discard products already on the market. In a written parliamentary question submitted on 15 June 2026, Cavedagna warned that the Commission's current interpretation of Directive (EU) 2024/825, which aims to combat greenwashing and improve sustainability information for consumers, may require companies to scrap legacy stock that was compliant at the time of production. This, he argued, would contradict the objectives of the Waste Framework Directive and the EU's circular economy commitments, particularly given that the Commission only published its FAQs in November 2025, leaving businesses limited time to adapt.
first, what measures the Commission plans to take to prevent unnecessary waste from legacy stock; and second, how it intends to ensure the directive does not discourage food manufacturers from investing in sustainability initiatives while still allowing them to communicate genuine commitments. The MEP's intervention targets a tension between consumer protection and environmental goals: while the ECGT aims to empower consumers with accurate information, its implementation risks generating significant waste in the food and fast-moving consumer goods sectors. Stakeholders most affected include food producers, who face compliance costs and potential write-offs; packaging manufacturers, who may see increased demand for new labels but also waste from discarded packaging; consumers, who could benefit from clearer sustainability claims but may face higher prices; and EU regulatory bodies, which must balance enforcement with circular economy objectives. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal whether it will adopt a more flexible approach to legacy products or maintain a strict interpretation of the directive.