Use of the NATUR-PACK System Logo Following the Amendment to Consumer Protection Legislation
In connection with the upcoming changes resulting from Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2005 concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market (“Unfair Commercial Practices Directive”) and its latest amendments aimed at combating so-called “greenwashing”, we would like to inform our clients about the implications for the use of the NATUR-PACK system logo on product packaging.
What Will Change from 2026
At the EU level, Directive 2005/29/EC has been supplemented by new rules intended to prevent misleading environmental claims (such as “eco”, “green”, “environmentally friendly”, etc.) and to improve transparency of information provided to consumers.
In Slovakia, these rules will be implemented mainly through Consumer Protection Act No. 108/2024 Coll., which introduces new concepts such as:
- environmental claim – any claim suggesting a positive environmental impact,
- sustainability label – various labels or logos referring to environmental or social characteristics of a product.
The changes will enter into force gradually, while the key provisions concerning environmental claims and unfair commercial practices will start to apply from 27 September 2026.
Good News for Clients
The NATUR-PACK system logo may continue to be used, provided that it is used appropriately:
- it serves an informational purpose only (e.g. on the back or side of the packaging),
- it is not linked to terms such as “eco”, “green”, or similar expressions,
- it does not dominate the main product branding,
- it is not used as a marketing tool to imply environmental superiority of the product.
If these conditions are met, there is no need to modify packaging as of 27 September 2026.
The NATUR-PACK system logo remains permissible as information confirming compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations.
What Is Important?
The key requirement of the new legislation is that any label or claim must not mislead consumers or create the impression of an environmental advantage that cannot be objectively substantiated.
Looking Ahead: Digital Labelling (PPWR)
Please note that further changes in packaging labelling are expected in connection with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
In the future, this means that information regarding participation in an EPR compliance scheme (PRO) may, from 12 August 2027 onwards, only be provided electronically (e.g. via a QR code or another form of digital labelling).
Where to Find More Information
Detailed conditions for the use of the NATUR-PACK system logo can be found in your member account under the “SERVICES” section.
