04
Nov
2013
The FTC came out blazing on October 29 with a series of enforcement actions against makers of false environmental marketing claims. About time!
FTC revised its Green Guides a little over a year ago. It has now issued several advisory materials as well as details on why it’s taking after another batch of companies here. Check out their 6 Tips for Keeping Your Green Claims Clear
Degradability: you better be able to prove it is real.
- Plastics: ECM Biofilms tried selling its products and self-certified the catalyst it uses to others that it would biodegrade in 9 months – 5 years wherever it wound up being disposed. FTC slammed ECM and two of its customers. Two other companies claimed different additives they used made their products biodegradable – without the testing to back up the claims. FTC said not to rely on results of ASTM D5511 testing to support product claims.
- Paper: AJM Packaging Corporation got burned twice when it resumed making unsubstantiated claims. Not only do they have to cease making bad claims, they get a $450,000 fine.
FTC tackled bad VOC claims earlier this year.
EHS Strategies, Inc. can help you review your environmental claims for FTC compliance.