El 'greenwashing' en las botellas de agua: "Los mensajes no son 100% ciertos"
El 'greenwashing' en las botellas de agua: "Los mensajes no son 100% ciertos"
The article highlights that many bottled water brands engage in greenwashing by labeling their plastic containers as “100% recyclable” or “100% recycled.” These claims create a misleading impression of environmental sustainability, suggesting a circular economy that does not exist in reality. In truth, the actual recycling rate for PET bottles in the European Union is significantly lower, and the likelihood of a bottle being remade into a new bottle is minimal. This deceptive marketing is problematic because it obscures the lack of adequate recycling infrastructure and the frequent use of virgin plastic in manufacturing. The ambiguity of “recyclable” depends heavily on local collection systems, while “recycled” often ignores non-recyclable components like caps and labels. Consequently, consumer trust is manipulated under the guise of eco-friendly practices, despite scientific evidence showing that plastic bottles rarely close the loop effectively. The relevance to greenwashing lies in the disconnect between marketing messages and factual environmental impact. By prioritizing the use of tap water, which is far more affordable and less harmful, consumers can avoid supporting these misleading practices. This case underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations to prevent companies from exploiting sustainability concerns to sell products that ultimately harm the environment.
Source: 20minutos.esPublished on 2025-08-30