Glossary

EPR and sustainability, explained.

Plain-language definitions for EPR, waste management, and environmental compliance. No jargon, no filler.

What is the Environmental Protection Act?

The Environmental Protection Act and related EU laws regulate pollution, waste, and environmental crimes, ensuring businesses and individuals act responsibly to protect health and nature.

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What is the EPR scheme (PPWR definition)?

EPR under PPWR means companies manage their product waste, especially packaging, boosting recycling, cutting waste, and promoting eco-friendly designs for a cleaner environment.

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What is the EU biodiversity strategy?

The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to protect 30% of land and sea, restore nature, promote sustainable farming, reduce pollution, and fight invasive species to support a healthy, thriving environment.

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What is the EU circular economy action plan?

The EU Circular Economy Action Plan promotes durable, repairable products, reduces waste, boosts recycling, supports green buying, targets key sectors, and aims for climate neutrality by 2050.

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What is the EU deforestation regulation?

The EU Deforestation Regulation stops products linked to illegal forest loss, ensures companies track origins, promotes sustainable sourcing, and helps protect forests, climate, and biodiversity.

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What is the EU Ecolabel?

The EU Ecolabel marks products and services that meet strict environmental standards, encouraging greener production, supporting recycling, and helping consumers choose eco-friendly options across Europe.

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What is the EU forced labour regulation?

The EU bans products made with forced labour to promote ethical trade, protect consumers, and ensure fair working conditions, using investigations and cooperation among member states.

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What is the EU Green Deal?

The EU Green Deal aims for climate neutrality by 2050 through clean energy, circular economy, sustainable transport, and protecting nature—creating green jobs and a healthier planet for all.

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What is the EU omnibus simplification package?

The EU Omnibus Simplification Package eases sustainability reporting by focusing on large companies, reducing burdens on SMEs, simplifying data rules, and supporting a smoother shift to a green economy.

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What is the European Climate Law?

The European Climate Law makes EU climate goals legally binding, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 and a 55% cut by 2030. It ensures fair, transparent action across all sectors for a cleaner future.

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What is the EU Single Market for goods?

The EU Single Market for Goods lets products move freely across member countries, simplifying trade, promoting eco-friendly goods, protecting consumers, and boosting businesses of all sizes.

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What is the EU Taxonomy Regulation?

The EU Taxonomy guides investments to support truly sustainable activities, helping fight climate change by setting clear, science-based rules for green business and boosting trust in eco-friendly options.

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What is the EU textiles strategy?

The EU Textiles Strategy promotes durable, repairable, and recyclable textiles, reduces waste and pollution, holds producers responsible, and helps consumers choose sustainable, long-lasting products.

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What is the EU zero pollution action plan?

The EU Zero Pollution Action Plan aims to cut pollution in air, water, and soil by 2030, promoting health and sustainability. It supports circular economy actions to reduce waste and protect ecosystems.

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What is the Fit for 55 package?

The Fit for 55 package aims to cut EU emissions by 55% by 2030 through renewable energy, energy efficiency, cleaner transport, expanded emissions trading, and fair carbon pricing on imports.

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What is the GHG Protocol?

The GHG Protocol helps businesses measure and manage greenhouse gas emissions in three scopes, guiding them to reduce impact, save costs, and support climate goals with clear, trusted data.

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What is the Green Claims Directive?

The EU's Green Claims Directive aimed to stop greenwashing by requiring proof of environmental claims but was withdrawn over small business concerns; other rules still protect consumers from false green claims.

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What is the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect warms Earth naturally by trapping heat with gases like CO2. Human actions add more gases, causing extra warming and climate change. Reducing emissions helps protect our planet.

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What is the hierarchy of waste operations?

Choose products with less packaging, fix items instead of discarding, reuse things, recycle properly, and avoid single-use goods to reduce waste and support a healthier planet every day.

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