Competition and Consumer Protection Policies for Sustainability

Abstract
Competition and consumer protection policies, are intersecting with sustainability. Businesses innovate new production, distribution and sales processes to gain sustainability advantages only when consumers value the importance of sustainability and are well-informed about its attributes in products. Empowered consumers are a driving force to encourage business innovation, investment and competition on sustainability. This report starts by exploring the interplay between competition law and sustainability. It then takes stock of initiatives undertaken by competition authorities. It then addresses how to promote sustainable consumption through the lens of consumer protection policy, providing examples from different jurisdictions on consumer information and education, business initiatives towards consumers and enforcement and guidance actions undertaken by consumer protection authorities.