Tighter EU rules on environmental claims and sustainability labels started to apply on 27 September under the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (EU) 2024/825.
For hotels certified by Valpas, the bed bug safety certification for hotels, one claim is already verifiable: zero indoor biocide use for bed bug control, in every guest room. Under the directive, which amends EU consumer law, generic environmental claims such as "eco-friendly" or "green" now need recognised excellent environmental performance behind them, sustainability labels must be based on a certification scheme or established by a public authority, and "climate neutral" claims based on offsetting are banned.
Bed bug control is one area where hotels have traditionally relied on indoor pesticide treatments. Valpas certification rests on three criteria: the property discloses its recent bed bug history, treatments and biocides used; 100% of guest rooms are equipped with permanent in-room infrastructure; and each room's status is verified continuously, 24/7. Avoiding indoor pesticide treatments for bed bugs removes pesticide handling for hotel staff and pesticide inputs into water systems. The certification methodology is independently verified by Bureau Veritas.
"Guests should be able to stay in safe, non-toxic environments when they travel. The planet and its biodiversity should be protected by the way we travel," says Martim Gois, Co-Founder and CEO of Valpas. "Hotels can now deliver verified, pesticide-free bed bug safety as a standard part of every stay. It's a win for people, hospitality and the planet."
Valpas is the bed bug safety certification for hotels. Founded after co-founder Martim Gois encountered bed bugs while travelling, Valpas today certifies 30,000+ guest rooms across 80+ destinations. The certification methodology
is independently verified by Bureau Veritas. Valpas is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA). The certification criteria are available at valpashotels.com/impact-and-scope. Learn more at valpashotels.com and with the Valpas app on chatgpt.com/apps
Craig Mc Hugh, PR & Public Policy Manager | craig@valpas.io | +447361741834
