The UK Competition Authority publishes guidance on environmental sustainability agreements and competition law

On 27 January 2021 the CMA published high level Guidance on environmental sustainability agreements and competition law (Guidance). Supporting the transition to a low carbon economy is one of the CMA’s strategic objectives (set out in its annual plan for 2021/22) and the CMA is keen to ensure that competition law does not act as an obstacle to business cooperation on sustainability projects. The Guidance sends a positive message to businesses involved in sustainability initiatives, making it clear that the CMA will engage with businesses in order to ensure they are not deterred by concerns over breaches of competition law, but the CMA will also make sure that markets remain competitive and open to innovation. The Guidance outlines the current competition law framework for assessing