Parker Waichman LLP

FTC guidelines will limit “eco-friendly” labels on products

The Federal Trade Commission has issued an update to its marketing standards for products claiming to have environmentally-friendly ingredients or that promise energy-saving discounts. According to a report at HomeChannelNews.com, the updated “Green Guides” from the FTC are in response to the rush of products hitting store shelves that claim to have environmentally-friendly ingredients or […]

guidelines with eco friendly labels on productsThe Federal Trade Commission has issued an update to its marketing standards for products claiming to have environmentally-friendly ingredients or that promise energy-saving discounts.

According to a report at HomeChannelNews.com, the updated “Green Guides” from the FTC are in response to the rush of products hitting store shelves that claim to have environmentally-friendly ingredients or results that often purport to save consumers money, especially on energy bills.

Everything from household cleaners and laundry detergents to large home appliances are sold these days with promises of environmentally-friendly or “green” benefits. If one particular product touted “green” benefits, then its competition soon would. The results of this marketing trend have been a lot of misleading claims or downright lies about these purported benefits. As consumers become more aware of the benefits of actual “green” consumption and purchasing products that actually are environmentally-friendly, they’re likely to seek products that make these claims.

The report indicates the updated guidelines for “green” marketing from the FTC center on “carbon offsets, green certifications and seals, and renewable energy and renewable materials.”

In a statement announcing the updated guidelines, FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said, “The introduction of environmentally friendly products into the marketplace is a win for consumers who want to purchase greener products and producers who want to sell them.

“But this win-win can only occur if marketers’ claims are truthful and substantiated.  The FTC’s changes to the Green Guides will level the playing field for honest business people and it is one reason why we had such broad support.”

Specifically, the FTC warns marketers to avoid using “broad, unqualified claims that a product is ‘environmentally friendly’ or ‘eco-friendly’ because the FTC’s consumer perception study confirms that such claims are likely to suggest that the product has specific and far-reaching environmental benefits,” the agency said in its release. These claims are practically impossible to back, regulators believe.

The agency also wants to reduce the claims that purport a product to break-down completely. This mostly applies to product packaging. A company must be able to prove that a product will break down completely in a year before making claims about its “degradable” qualities. Companies must also be prepared to back claims regarding how much of a certain product is made from a renewable source, like recycled paper or glass, for example.

Companies should also limit the use of endorsements on a product from agencies that are most likely to back “green” products. The agency that gives its “seal of approval” on a product should be able to produce material evidence that one purportedly “green” product is better than another.

The updates do not address the use of some other popular buzzwords in marketing “green” products, namely those that apply to food. The FTC avoided issuing guidelines on the use of the terms: organic, natural, and sustainable. Those claims, the agency noted, are covered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Jill was great she took care of me the best alway call to check up on me,great law firm
Trapt Genres
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Jamie Sussman
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I want copy for court cases for vaccines injuries . My little girl have signs of GBS
Wael Jaber
a year ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038