This report provides a systematic review of the topic of „environmental claims on products“. Based on a detailed evaluation of the available literature, the existing spectrum from trustworthy environmental information to so-called greenwashing is examined. The grey area between these poles in the evaluation of environmental claims is also considered.
In order to assess the possible impact of environmental claims on consumers, consumer studies have been analysed for this report. These studies analysed consumers knowledge of environmental claims, their perceptions of such claims, the impact of environmental claims on consumers and consumers expectations of environmental claims.
The study also includes an analysis of the legal status and instruments to sanction or prevent greenwashing. The implementation of the Empowering Consumers and Green Claims Directives has resulted in stricter requirements for the presentation of reliable, comparable, justified and verifiable information on the environmental characteristics of products and companies. More specific obligations to justify and provide data in support of environmental claims are likely to lead to improved information for consumers and increased legal certainty for companies in the foreseeable future.
At the end of the study, conclusions and recommendations will be drawn regarding the further political and legal development of consumer protection in relation to environmental claims. Conclusions and recommendations are also derived for companies that make environmental claims and for consumers who are confronted with environmental claims.
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