Green claims & competition law
Navigate the complexities of green advertising – understand the meaning of ‘greenwashing’, the legal requirements for ‘climate neutrality’ and the EU standards for organic labels. Learn how to communicate your environmental values authentically, avoid misleading practices and offer your customers real sustainability.
Our law firm is intensively dedicated to the challenges of green advertising and the associated competition law aspects. We offer comprehensive advice on ‘greenwashing’, ‘climate neutrality’ and EU organic standards to ensure that your corporate communications are not only effective but also legally compliant.
Advertising with green values is almost indispensable today. Environmentally friendly”, “climate neutral” and “organic” are just a few examples that you often see.
Phenomenon of the times: greenwashing
Greenwashing is relevant from a competition law perspective as it can deceive consumers and hinder fair competition when companies use misleading environmental claims to gain an advantage in the market.
The article“Greenwashing: Real sustainability or mere image cultivation?” sheds light on the practice of greenwashing, in which companies present themselves as greener than they are and how to recognize greenwashing and what consequences it can have.
Climate neutral or not?
Very few people know what the term “climate neutral” means, for example. The article“What advertising with the term “climate neutral” really means” shows that there are various ways to achieve climate neutrality. The Frankfurt Higher Regional Court sets important limits for the duty of companies to inform their customers.
In the articles on advertising with climate neutrality, it becomes clear what obligations companies have with green marketing and, in particular, how they should communicate this in a legally compliant manner in order to avoid sanctions.
In another article, it becomes clear that there is still a need for clarification regarding the question of when the green claim “climate neutral” is misleading or permissible.
Last but not least, proceedings against Katjes and Mühlhäuser have shown that the devil is in the detail when it comes to advertising with green promises.
European regulations
The EU Organic Regulation specifies the standards that companies must meet in order to be allowed to advertise with an organic label. What can consumers expect when buying organic products?
In our podcast “Kaffeerecht” we discuss the topic of greenwashing and environmental claims in detail.
Topic contributions
Greenwashing: genuine sustainability or mere image cultivation?
Companies are increasingly advertising the environmental compatibility of their products and services.
But what is really behind green advertising?
Green Claims Directive – transparency, trust and climate protection
The Green Claims Directive promises transparency and trust for consumers and incentives for companies to protect the climate.
Green Claims Richtlinie – Transparenz, Vertrauen und Klimaschutz
In dieser Podcast-Episode sprechen wir über das in der Rechtsprechung derzeit sehr präsente Thema der Zulässigkeit bzw. Unzulässigkeit bestimmter Werbeaussagen im Zusammenhang mit Umwelt und Klima. Greenwashing ist in aller Munde und wir schauen uns an, welche Voraussetzungen eine Werbung erfüllen muss, damit Umweltaussagen wie „klimaneutral“ zulässig sind. Viel Spaß beim Zuhören!
Action by the Wettbewerbszentrale against Katjes and Mühlhäuser for “climate-neutral” products
The Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf decides on details of the obligation to provide information when advertising “climate-neutral” products.
Where does greenwashing begin?
Dos and don’ts of green advertising: organic labels under the microscope
A European regulation contains the essential rules for advertising organic products.
However, it cannot cover every individual case.
What advertising with the term “climate neutral” really means
Climate neutrality under the legal microscope: A look at a ruling by the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court, among other things.