The Legal Path to a CO₂-Neutral Continent

With the European Green Deal, Europe has set the goal of becoming the first CO₂-neutral continent by 2050. To (gradually) achieve this target, the European Union is introducing various initiatives to support this transition from a legal perspective. These are often initiatives that directly or indirectly encourage companies (and individuals) to implement sustainable changes. Below you’ll find an overview of the most important treaties and legislation that directly or indirectly affect your business in the furniture industry.

International Treaties and Agreements Underpinning European Sustainability Policy

• Kyoto protocol
• Paris Agreement

European Legislation

• EU Green Deal
• Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
• Omnibusverordening
• Voluntary Small Medium Enterprises standard (VSME)
• EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
• EPR Textiles (NL)
• Green Claim Directive
• Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
• Digitaal Productpaspoort (DPP)

Types of legislation:

• Law
• Regulations
• Directives
• Delegated act

Summary

Global legislative basis: Climate treaties (Kyoto & Paris), alongside biodiversity and ocean treaties (High Seas Treaty) and trade and energy agreements (e.g. ECT, ACCTS), form the foundation for EU goals: -55% CO₂ by 2030, net-zero by 2050.

EU sector-specific implementation: Strong focus on ecodesign (ESPR), data transparency (CSRD, DPP), waste management (EPR, waste shipment), and anti-greenwashing, with gradual implementation from 2024–2028.

For textiles and furniture, this means: stricter sustainability standards in design, sourcing (e.g. deforestation), collection, and marketing, with deadlines from 2025 to 2030.

Fabraa’s Role

At Fabraa, we look to the future with a clear vision and are proactively preparing for what lies ahead. We see it as part of our role to support the furniture industry and our partners in the sustainable transition. We do this not only through our collections, but also by focusing on topics such as data and legislation. By collaborating with renowned partners (bAwear, Modint, Tex-Tracer, Tappr), we stay informed and aim to share the most relevant developments. Want to stay informed too? Subscribe to our newsletter.

Last update: 13-03-25