Govt issues guidelines to prohibit greenwashing, misleading green claims
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Govt issues guidelines to prohibit greenwashing, misleading green claims
Sub: Env
Sec: Msc
Context:
- The government introduced new guidelines to regulate greenwashing and misleading environmental claims by companies. These guidelines aim to protect consumers and enhance transparency in eco-friendly marketing.
- Greenwashing: Refers to companies making unsubstantiated claims about a product or service having a climate-friendly impact.
Key points of the guideline:
- Issued by the Consumer Affairs Ministry, these rules ensure that environmental claims are backed by verifiable evidence and clear disclosures.
- The goal is not to prohibit such claims but to ensure they are made with transparency and integrity.
- Verification Requirements:
- Claims like “100% eco-friendly”, “zero emissions”, and “cruelty-free” must be supported by accurate, verifiable data.
- Environmental claims must use consumer-friendly language, especially for technical terms.
- Comparative environmental claims must be based on relevant, verifiable data, clearly specifying the basis of comparison.
- Aspirational Claims:
- Future or aspirational environmental claims are allowed but must be backed by actionable plans.
- Disclosure of Information:
- Companies must disclose all material information regarding environmental claims through advertisements or communications, using QR codes, URLs, or other digital media.
- They must specify if the claim refers to the product as a whole, its manufacturing, packaging, usage, or disposal.
- Specific Claims:
- Claims such as “compostable”, “degradable”, “recyclable”, and “net-zero” must be supported by credible certifications, scientific evidence, or third-party verification.
- These disclosures should be easily accessible to consumers.
- Technical Terms:
- Companies must explain technical concepts like “environmental impact assessment” and “ecological footprint” in consumer-friendly language.
- Regulatory Context:
- These guidelines complement existing laws, and in case of conflicts with specific regulations, those laws will take precedence.
- The central authority’s decision will be final in case of disputes or ambiguity in interpretation.