EmpCo and Plastic Credits: From Environmental Claims to Proof

Verifiable. Transparent. Traceable.

The EmpCo guideline requires that environmental performance be presented in a measurable and transparent manner. With Plastic Credits, the impact can be tracked and communicated in a manner that complies with EmpCo.

EmpCo rules for environmental claims

Many companies advertise with claims such as “sustainable”, “climate-neutral” or “environmentally friendly”. It is precisely such blanket claims that will become a problem from September 2026.

With the Empowering Consumers Directive (EmpCo), environmental claims may only be used if they are specific, measurable and transparently documented. In future, sustainability can no longer simply be communicated – but only if it is demonstrably implemented and clearly documented.

In concrete terms, this means:

Vague terms such as “green” or “sustainable” are not permitted

Statements about the overall product are prohibited if they are only partially true

“Climate-neutral” becomes problematic when it is based primarily on offsetting

The consequence: if you want to communicate sustainability, you have to make it measurable.

Identify critical environmental claims before the EmpCo guideline takes effect: Our AI audit tool scans your website for environmental claims.

The solution: Plastic Credits from everwave

At everwave, we combine real environmental protection with immediately usable marketing content.

Our Plastic Credits and a transparent track-and-trace process make it possible to trace exactly where and how plastic is collected and processed. Each credit is given a unique identification number as well as data on the time and place of collection and further processing. This prevents double counting.

That means: Real impact—transparently measurable, easily communicable!

One Plastic Credit represents 1 kg of waste that has been collected from rivers and waterways around the world, sorted, and processed. Companies make a measurable impact with Plastic Credits—because Plastic Credits meet the EmpCo requirements:

Full Traceability

Every Plastic Credit is based on actual plastic waste that has been collected. The waste is documented and recorded with its exact coordinates right at the collection site. This makes it possible to track where the plastic was collected, when the collection took place, and how much was collected.

Transparent Documentation

After collection, the materials are sorted, processed, and prepared for further processing at the everwave Zero-Waste Centers. Every single processing step is digitally documented and recorded in an internal tracking system. This ensures complete documentation and prevents double counting.

Individual Identification

Each Plastic Credit is assigned its own unique ID. This allows each Credit to be tracked, verified, and documented individually. As a result, its impact can be traced and audited at any time.

The tracking process

1st Collection

The collected trash is taken to our Zero-Waste Centers, where it is photographed. The coordinates of the collection site, photos of the collected trash, and before-and-after photos of the collection site are uploaded to our system. A duplicate check ensures that duplicate entries are ruled out.

2. Weighing & Sorting

The collected waste is weighed at the Zero Waste Center and the weight is also entered into our system. The collected waste is sorted and dried for further processing.

3. Creation of Plastic Credits

The sorted plastic is sent to the various partners for further processing. The respective partners report how many kilograms they have processed - so any discrepancies can be identified. If all the data matches, our Plastic Credits are generated from the kilograms of plastic waste processed.

This is how Plastic Credits meet the requirements

Verifiable Environmental Performance: Documented Collection and Processing of Plastic Waste

Transparency: complete documentation of all process steps

Traceability: Geodata, Collection Sites, and Individual Credit IDs

Measurability: Tracking of every quantity of plastic collected and processed, with no double counting

Credible Communication: Evidence Instead of General Environmental Promises

Get advice now

The transition period is underway. Learn how your company can achieve measurable impact with Plastic Credits and prepare for the requirements of the EmpCo Directive.

Schedule your consultation here: