Govt issues guidelines to prohibit greenwashing, misleading green claims

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.