Working with other businesses on environmental sustainability initiatives
How to collaborate with other businesses on green initiatives while complying with competition law.
This page provides information to businesses that want to collaborate with their competitors or potential competitors to achieve environmental sustainability goals, such as reducing CO2 emissions or improving water quality.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published the Green Agreements Guidance to help businesses navigate competition law and stay on the right side of the law whilst achieving green goals. When businesses remain unsure having used the Green Agreements Guidance, they can seek informal guidance by using the CMA open-door policy.
Businesses looking for more information on how to make environmental claims about their products and services should read our guidance on how to do this.
Green agreements
The CMA has published detailed guidance and short summaries about green agreements.
Green Agreements Guidance, how businesses can make environmental sustainability agreements.
How to request informal guidance
If you are thinking of working with another business, you may request informal guidance on how to do so without breaking competition law.
Informal guidance provided to businesses
The CMA has published the following informal guidance.
Being careful not to break the law
The CMA has previously taken enforcement action, for example in cases addressing electric vehicle chargepoints and vehicle recycling. You must take care not to break competition law when working with another business.
Find out more about cartels and how to apply for leniency.