Consumer empowerment and sustainability. Ecodesign

Abstract

The European Union pursues the digital and ecological transition in its various strategic actions, plans, and legal policies. In particular, the latter, based on sustainability (environmental, social, and governance), is becoming increasingly relevant in various economic and productive activities. This approach may present various threats, such as greenwashing practices, which hinder both transparency and the rigorous information that should guide markets and their stakeholders, as well as consumers. Within this context, we examine the relevance of “ecodesign,” which attracts and achieves the desired sustainability by offering consumer empowerment and contributing to the circular economy, thereby achieving the sustainability or ecological transition so desired by the European legislator. This contribution analyzes what is meant by consumer empowerment and its regulations, as well as reflects on the connections with sustainable transformation from the perspective and perspective offered by ecodesign and its implementation.