Govt sets March 21 deadline for public comments on guidelines to curb greenwashing
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has introduced draft guidelines to regulate greenwashing, targeting the deceptive environmental claims often used in advertising to mislead consumers. These rules aim to curb practices that exaggerate positive attributes while hiding harmful impacts, thereby protecting public trust in sustainability marketing. The framework mandates strict disclosure requirements for vague terms like "eco-friendly," insisting that all claims be supported by verifiable evidence and independent verification. Advertisers must clearly define the scope of their environmental assertions and avoid selective data presentation, ensuring transparency regarding product lifecycle impacts through accessible technological means. This development is crucial for combating greenwashing because it establishes a legal basis for holding brands accountable for unsubstantiated eco-claims. By requiring credible scientific evidence and actionable plans for future goals, the guidelines seek to eliminate ambiguity, forcing companies to substantiate their sustainability efforts rather than relying on misleading imagery or language.
Source: prokerala.comPublished on 2024-02-21