frequently asked questions

An environmental claim is a statement about the environmental impact of a product, its packaging or a company's practices. It may include statements about sustainability, recyclability or the company's overall ecological commitments.

An environmental claim is a statement made by a company about the environmental impact of its products or practices, while an environmental certification is an official validation by an independent third party that these claims meet certain standards.

Checking environmental claims helps to ensure that products or practices claimed to be environmentally friendly really are, thus avoiding greenwashing and encouraging informed consumer choices.

To avoid greenwashing, it is crucial to provide verifiable evidence, such as independent certification and measurable data. Adopt transparent communication practices by using recognised labels and avoiding vague or generic terms.

Vague terms such as ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’, a lack of proof or independent certification, and claims that are too good to be true are indicators of greenwashing.

The consequences of greenwashing include significant legal sanctions, lawsuits and damage to a company's reputation. Consumers lose confidence, which can lead to a drop in sales and a long-term negative impact on brand loyalty.

Consumers can verify claims by looking for recognised independent certifications, consulting detailed information provided by the company, and finding out about the company's green practices.

Companies can avoid greenwashing by providing verifiable evidence for all their claims, obtaining independent certifications, being transparent about their practices and avoiding vague and non-specific terms.

Best practice includes full transparency, use of recognised labels, accurate messaging and ongoing communication with stakeholders. Provide detailed and accessible information on the company's environmental practices.

Benefits include customer loyalty, improved brand image, reduced legal risks and better information for consumers. Responsible communication builds consumer confidence and contributes to environmental sustainability.

In France, laws such as the Climate and Resilience Act and the ISO 14021 standard provide a framework for environmental claims, requiring concrete evidence and transparency to avoid greenwashing practices.

Responsible communication boosts consumer confidence, improves brand image, builds customer loyalty and reduces the legal risks associated with misleading claims.

Some terms such as ‘biodegradable’ or ‘carbon neutral’ are banned or discouraged because they can mislead consumers, in the absence of clear details and evidence about their real meanings and implications.

Terms such as ‘environmentally responsible’, ‘bio-compatible’, ‘carbon neutral’, ‘offset’ must be accompanied by concrete evidence and should never be used in isolation.

To replace the ‘biodegradable’ claim, which is now strictly forbidden, describe your material precisely and the conditions under which it can be degraded, using terms such as ‘plantable paper’ with details of the material. For claims of ‘carbon neutrality’, indicate the quantity of CO2 emitted and explain the reduction and compensation actions.