The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said it will further investigate a number of businesses for potential ‘greenwashing’. The investigation follows an internet sweep which found more than half (57 per cent) of the 247 businesses reviewed made concerning claims about their environmental or sustainability practices.
“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.
“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.”
Lowe said consumers were 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,” she said. “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” were obliged to back up these claims through reliable scientific reports,transparent supply chain information,reputable third-party certification or other forms of evidence.