German non-profit Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has been cracking down on greenwashing claims made by companies, stopping over 100 firms from advertising products or corporate activities as environmentally friendly without proper evidence. Agnes Sauter, head of ecological market surveillance at DUH, emphasizes that consumers are increasingly influenced by environmental claims and misleading information can hinder real progress in climate protection.
Courts have ruled against major companies like Katjes, Adidas, Lufthansa, Shell Germany, TUI Cruises, and Obi for misleading greenwashing claims. They have been ordered to clarify statements like ‘climate neutral’ and ‘environmentally friendly’ and to provide evidence backing their environmental promises.
DUH has also targeted specific products, such as a wall paint from home improvement chain Obi, a disposable grill from a company in the Bauhaus Group, and a chair from Poco furniture stores. These legal actions have prompted companies to withdraw misleading claims and make declarations to stop using such language.
The non-profit’s activism has sent a strong message to companies engaging in greenwashing practices. Regulators in Europe are also stepping up their efforts to tackle misleading environmental claims in advertising. DUH is calling on Germany’s new government to establish clearer rules and fines for deceptive consumer marketing practices and to implement new EU regulations to empower consumers for a greener transition.
Sauter stresses the importance of honesty in climate and environmental protection, stating that such efforts should lead to genuine improvements in product design and sustainability practices. The fight against greenwashing is ongoing, with DUH continuing to hold companies accountable for their environmental claims.
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