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Sentinel Performance Solutions, part of Aalberts hydronic flow control, has confirmed a structured programme to bring its packaging, labelling and digital communications into full compliance with the EU’s ECGT Directive ahead of its 27 September 2026 application date.
Sentinel Performance Solutions, part of Aalberts hydronic flow control, confirms that it has taken decisive and structured action to align its consumer-facing communications, digital platforms, packaging and product labelling with the requirements of Directive (EU) 2024/825 on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (the “ECGT Directive”). The ECGT Directive amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC) and the Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU) and becomes applicable across the European Union from 27 September 2026.
With immediate effect, all new packaging and labelling will meet the enhanced substantiation requirements introduced by the ECGT Directive and its amendments to the UCPD.
This includes ensuring that generic environmental claims are always accompanied by a clear and substantiated specification, that sustainability-style iconography is only used when it reflects a recognised certification scheme or public-authority label, and that any social-characteristic claims remain accurate, relevant and capable of substantiation.
Sentinel recognises that a limited volume of previously produced packaging, bearing labelling produced and distributed before the ECGT Directive's application date, may still be present on shelves or in inventory held by third-party merchandisers, distributors and retail partners. This reflects normal stock rotation and packaging cycles already in the supply chain ahead of the ECGT Directive’s application date, and is consistent with the treatment of “old stock” situations set out in the Common Understanding on Old Stock Situations published by the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network in June 2026.
Sentinel does not consider the presence of this existing stock to constitute greenwashing. The relevant packaging was manufactured and distributed before the ECGT Directive’s application date of 27 September 2026, under labelling standards that were compliant at the time of production.
All product manufactured, packaged or labelled by Sentinel from the ECGT Directive’s application date onward will be fully compliant with the Directive’s requirements.
Sentinel is committed to transparent, accurate and substantiated communication with its customers and installers on the environmental and social characteristics of its products. This programme forms part of Sentinel’s wider commitment to responsible marketing practice. Sentinel will continue to monitor guidance from the European Commission, national competent authorities and the CPC Network, and will update its compliance programme accordingly.
Are Sentinel products still safe to use?
Yes. These changes concern how products are described, not the products themselves or their formulations. Sentinel products remain safe and effective when used in accordance with the instructions and safety information on the label and safety data sheet.
What is the ECGT Directive and when does it apply?
Directive (EU) 2024/825 on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive and the Consumer Rights Directive. It applies across the EU from 27 September 2026.
Is older packaging still on shelves compliant?
Packaging produced and distributed before 27 September 2026 met the standards in force at the time. In line with the CPC Network’s Common Understanding on old stock, this is not considered greenwashing. All product placed on the market from the application date will be fully compliant.
Alexander Giles
Marketing Manager, Sentinel Performance Solutions - Part of Aalberts hydronic flow control
Tel: +44 1928 704330
Email: marketing@sentinelprotects.com
