Environmental claims on goods and services
Introduction
Consumers are increasingly demanding products and services which minimise harm to, or have a positive effect on, the environment. Products, services and businesses which claim to meet that demand have become more common as a result.
Consumer protection law provides a framework for your business to make environmental claims that help consumers make informed choices. Misleading environmental claims can harm consumers and hinder their decision making, and can lead to unfair competition between businesses.
Consumer protection law also protects your business from unfair competition, creating a level playing field for products and services which genuinely represent a better choice for the environment and are backed by truthful environmental claims.
This guide gives an overview of what environmental claims are, when they can be misleading, and what consumer protection law requires your business to do. It explains the principles you can follow to comply with the law, with checklists of questions on each along with links to further guidance with practical examples.