EmpCo from 27 September 2026: How to Describe Lanyards and Merch Without Greenwashing
Quick answer: since 27 September 2026, EU Directive 2024/825 (EmpCo) applies with no transition period – including to products already on the market. Generic claims such as “eco lanyard”, “green merch pack” or “climate-neutral giveaway” without proof are banned. Name one specific aspect (for example the material) and back it with a recognised standard: GRS, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 or FSC®.
What is EmpCo?
EmpCo stands for “Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition” – EU Directive 2024/825, which amends EU consumer law to stop greenwashing. It applies from 27 September 2026 with no transition period, so it also covers products that are already on the market.
What is banned and what is allowed
| Banned | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Generic claims such as “eco-friendly” or “green” without proof | A specific claim about one named aspect, backed by evidence |
| Offset-based “climate neutral” claims | For example “lanyard made from recycled polyester, GRS certified” |
| Self-made sustainability labels without an independent standard | Reference to a recognised standard: GRS, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, FSC® |
Why agencies and brands should care
A branded lanyard, bag or snood handed out to consumers at a client’s event is a B2C communication. If it says “eco” without proof, it is the client’s brand on the line – and the agency’s brief that wrote it. Big brands will ask their agencies for evidence. Clients will ask: “Which material exactly?”, “Which certificate?”, “Can you send the document?”.
How to write it: be specific and prove it
| Avoid | Use |
|---|---|
| “Eco lanyard” | “Lanyard made from recycled polyester, GRS certified” |
| “Green merch pack” | “Fabric tested for harmful substances – OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100” |
| “Environmentally friendly packaging” | “Paper packaging from FSC®-certified sources” |
| “Planet-friendly wristband” | “Wristband closure made of bamboo” |
| “Sustainable bag” | “Bag made from recycled fabric, GRS certified” |
| “Climate-neutral giveaway” | Do not use without proof – describe the specific material or certification |
Three rules: 1) name one specific aspect – material, content or certification; 2) name the standard behind it; 3) keep the documents for the order.
The standards in brief
- GRS (Global Recycled Standard, Textile Exchange) – independently verifies recycled content and tracks it through the supply chain, with social, environmental and chemical requirements.
- OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 – textiles tested for harmful substances by independent institutes; a label about product safety for the skin.
- FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) – certifies that paper and wood come from responsibly managed forests and controlled sources.
What LanYard.PRO can document
- Recycled ribbons – any of our products can be made from recycled-origin ribbons certified to OEKO-TEX® and GRS.
- Recycled fabrics – bags, neckerchiefs and scarves are made from recycled fabrics with GRS certificates, tested to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100.
- Natural fibres and closures – lanyards and wristbands in cotton or bamboo; wooden and bamboo closures for event wristbands.
- Paper packaging – FSC® certified, and most of it contains recycled paper.
- Deckchair wood – comes with an FSC® certificate of origin.
Certificates are available in Sales Tools → Certificate on LanYard.PRO and from your account manager, together with the documents for your order. See also: eco lanyards, event wristbands, textiles and deckchairs and poufs.
How to order the certified version
- Pick any product – lanyard, wristband, bag, snood or deckchair – and ask for the recycled or natural version.
- Tell us the claim you need – we will match it with the right material and certificate.
- Get the product and the proof: visual, quote and the documents your client can rely on.
Live prices, production time and delivery date for every item are available online 24/7 on LanYard.PRO. Questions: [email protected], +48 533 921 418.
FAQ: EmpCo and eco merchandise
When does EmpCo apply?
From 27 September 2026, with no transition period. It also applies to products already on the market.
Can I call a lanyard “eco”?
Not without proof. Generic claims such as “eco-friendly” are banned unless they name a specific aspect and have evidence behind them. Say, for example, “lanyard made from recycled polyester, GRS certified”.
Which certificates back up claims about lanyards and merchandise?
GRS (recycled content), OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 (textiles tested for harmful substances) and FSC® (paper and wood from responsibly managed forests).
Is “climate neutral” still allowed?
Offset-based climate-neutrality claims are banned. Describe a specific material or certification instead.
Where can I find LanYard.PRO certificates?
In Sales Tools → Certificate on the LanYard.PRO website and from your account manager, together with the documents for your order.
Sources: Directive (EU) 2024/825; European Commission Q&A on the Directive (2026). For information only, not legal advice. Published: 14 October 2026.
