The Recycler
  • Biuromax Masthead web banner March 2024
  • G&G Masthead August 2024
  • Katun web banner December 2022 NEW
  • Ambiente 2025 Masthead

ACCC launches investigation into ‘greenwashing’

March 2, 2023

The ACCC will be investigating a number of businesses for potential ‘greenwashing’, following an internet sweep, which found more than half of the businesses reviewed made concerning claims about their environmental or sustainability practices.

Of the 247 businesses reviewed during the sweep, 57% were identified as having made concerning claims about their environmental credentials. The cosmetic, clothing and footwear and food and drink sectors were found to have the highest proportion of concerning claims among the industries targeted in the operation. Other sectors examined also had a significant proportion of concerning claims.

“Our sweep indicates a significant proportion of businesses are making vague or unclear environmental claims. This warrants further scrutiny,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“Consumers are now, more than ever, making purchasing decisions on environmental grounds. Unfortunately, it appears that rather than making legitimate changes to their practices and procedures, some businesses are relying on false or misleading claims. This conduct harms not only consumers, but also those businesses taking genuine steps to implement more sustainable practices.

“Businesses using broad claims like ‘environmentally friendly’, ‘green’, or ‘sustainable’ are obliged to back up these claims through reliable scientific reports, transparent supply chain information, reputable third-party certification or other forms of evidence.

“Where we have concerns, we will be asking businesses to substantiate their claims,” Ms Lowe said.

Lowe added: “Already, we have several active investigations underway across the packaging, consumer goods, food manufacturing and medical devices sectors for alleged misleading environmental claims and these may grow, as we continue to conduct more targeted assessments into businesses and claims identified through the sweep. We will take enforcement action where it is appropriate to do so as it is critical that consumer trust in green claims is not undermined.”

The ACCC will also conduct a range of education activities with businesses, including updating economy-wide guidance material, in addition to targeted guidance for specific sectors.

“The sweep has helped inform our forthcoming guidance about what steps businesses need to take to improve the integrity of their environmental claims,” Ms Lowe said.

“We want to see businesses taking steps to ensure that environmental claims are accurate as well as meaningful for consumers. Our sweep has shown that claims are most useful where they are relevant, clear, reliable and transparent.

“We will engage directly with businesses and industry associations to improve compliance with the Australian Consumer Law.

“Importantly, we encourage businesses to come forward if they become aware they have made false or misleading marketing claims. Businesses who cooperate and advise of any issues with their operations, will be considered more favourably than those who wait for the ACCC to unearth these problems,” Lowe added.

The ACCC encourages consumers and businesses to contact the ACCC to report any potentially misleading environmental or sustainability claims. Report through the ACCC website or by contacting the ACCC info centre.

Categories : World Focus

Tags : ACCC Business Environmental Claims Greenwashing Investigation Sustainability

  • G&G web advert October 2024
  • Biuromax web banner July 2024
  • Cartridge Web Nov Web Banner
  • IR Italiana Web ad January 2021
  • Static Control June 2022 Big & Bold Ad
  • TN Core Nov Web advert
  • Ink Tank No Web advert
  • Apex September 2024 Web ad
  • GM Technology October 2024
  • Zhono Web ad March 2024
  • ITP Web ad January 2021
  • HYB Web banner Jan 2024
  • Denner Feb 2024 Web Ad
  • CET Web ad December 2023
  • PCL Nov Web advert
  • Mito Web banner June 2024
  • denner UK Web Banner Jul 2024
  • HYB Web banner Jan 2024
  • CET Web ad December 2023
  • Mito Web banner June 2024
  • ITP Web ad January 2021
  • Denner Feb 2024 Web Ad
  • denner UK Web Banner Jul 2024
  • Zhono Web ad March 2024
  • PCL Nov Web advert
  • Zhono Web ad March 2024
  • ITP Web ad January 2021
  • denner UK Web Banner Jul 2024
  • HYB Web banner Jan 2024
  • PCL Nov Web advert
  • CET Web ad December 2023
  • Mito Web banner June 2024
  • Denner Feb 2024 Web Ad

The Recycler, Wittas House, Two Rivers, Station Lane, Witney, OX28 4BH, United Kingdom | Tel: +44 (0) 1993 899800 | Fax : +44 (0) 1993 226899
©2006-2023 The Recycler - Terms & Conditions - Privacy Policy including cookie use

Web design Dorset | Websites by Mark