The SCOODA Quick Read – Beware of Greenwashing!

Growing environmental concerns have resulted in a sharp increase in the availability of products claiming to be eco-friendly, sustainable, and “green”. These commonly used broad terms do not actually inform consumers of their benefits and can be, in many cases, misleading.

Just because a product isn’t single use, does not make it environmentally friendly. Almost all products, services and businesses will have an impact on the environment in some manner, so how can you ensure that you are making valid claims and being truthful about the full lifespan of any products you supply?

To help guide businesses so they avoid misleading consumers and contravene Australian Consumer Law, the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) has created a draft document outlining eight principles for trustworthy environmental and sustainable claims.

These principles are:

·???????? Principle 1 - Make accurate and truthful claims

·???????? Principle 2 – Have evidence to back up your claims

·???????? Principle 3 – Do not hide important information in small print

·???????? Principle 4 – Explain any conditions or qualifications to your claims

·???????? Principle 5 – Avoid broad and unqualified claims

·???????? Principle 6 – Use clear and easy to understand language

·???????? Principle 7 – Visual elements should not give the wrong impression

·???????? Principle 8 – Be direct and open about your sustainability transition

You can review the whole draft document on the ACCC Website. It includes details on all the principles outlined above, examples of greenwashing, best practice solutions, legal framework details and ACCC’s compliance and enforcement approach.

When considering promotional products claiming to be eco-friendly, ensure you are being provided with a description of the details in support. Look beyond the “green tick” as “greenwashing” is every growing issue one should be mindful to avoid.

For guidance and support in selecting truly eco-friendly brandable products, work with a distributor who is part of the Australian Promotional Products Association (APPA) such as SCOODA.