The package set out a series of voluntary and obligatory actions to support a coherent and dynamic policy in the European Union (EU) and internationally, helping to define eco-friendly products, informing the consumer through improved labeling and supporting their purchase through public procurement and fiscal incentives.
It was aimed at improving the environmental performance and in particular the energy efficiency of products and stimulating their market uptake, the EU's executive arm said.
"The EU has to set an example and prove that industry is capable to contribute vigorously to fight against climate change," said European Commission Vice President Gunter Verheugen, responsible for enterprise and industry policy.
Under the proposals, the current policies that promote eco-design by setting compulsory minimum requirements and voluntary benchmarks for energy-using products would be extended to energy-related products, such as windows and home insulation.
Mandatory labeling will indicate relevant environmental parameters for a wider range of products, including energy-using and energy-related products.
The commission also proposed that only products attaining a certain level of energy or environmental performance were eligible for incentives and public procurement at national and EU levels.
The EU Ecolabel scheme, which indicates the most environmentally friendly products on the EU market, would be extended to cover a wider range of products and services, such as food and drink products.
With a view to promoting leaner production, the proposals foresaw developing targets and tools to monitor, benchmark and promote resource efficiency and eco-innovation.
In order to promote sustainable products worldwide, the proposals envisaged supporting agreements of industry sectors as part of international climate negotiations, promoting and sharing good practice internationally and supporting international trade in environmentally friendly goods and services.
"The package puts forward a comprehensive set of measures which will contribute to the EU objectives on saving energy benefiting both the environment and the EU consumer," said EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs.
