Printing & Publishing: Greenwashing Risk 2026

The printing and publishing industry is in the focus of growing environmental awareness and is therefore particularly at risk of warnings. Customers increasingly expect sustainable printed products and transparent production processes. The EU Directive 2024/825 (EmpCo) tightens the requirements for the communication of environmental information from 27 September 2026 and in particular prohibits generic claims. The BGH judgement of 27 June 2024 (I ZR 98/23 – Katjes) has already clarified that the use of "climate-neutral" without detailed disclosure of the CO2 calculation and compensation methods is misleading. This case law is analogously applicable to the printing and publishing industry. From 2026, transparently documented offsetting will also no longer be sufficient to advertise "climate-neutral". Claims such as "environmentally friendly printing inks" or "sustainable paper" without concrete certifications or proof are particularly critical. Printing companies and publishers must review their communication and ensure that they comply with the requirements of EmpCo and UWG. A transparent presentation of environmental performance, based on recognised standards and certificates, is the key to warning-proof and credible marketing.