Making self-declared incorrect, misleading, and sometimes entirely false claims is a breach of Australian Consumer Law. Trust and transparency are integral factors in creating lasting behaviour change. The best marketing an organisation can do is prove its commitment to positive social and environmental impacts. We’re excited to announce that GECA has partnered with our fellow B Corporation, Marque Lawyers, to deliver an environmental claims marketing handbook and training session that can be tailored to your business.
According to Australian Consumer Law, “Companies should not claim that a particular good or service has certain environmental benefits if these claims cannot be substantiated”. Often known as ‘greenwashing’, making vague and unsubstantiated claims makes it difficult for consumers to choose genuinely sustainable products and services. Greenwashing has led to increased consumer scepticism and doubt whenever an organisation makes sustainability claims about their company, products or services. This can lead to a loss of legitimacy and reputation in the marketplace.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) have put greenwashing in their sights this year as a significant compliance priority.
It’s crucial to note that not every case of greenwashing is deliberate or nefarious in intent. A lack of understanding and experience in what makes an environmental claim robust and legally compliant can lead to accidental breaches by genuinely sustainable companies.
If you’d like to take a deeper dive into the dos and don’ts of environmental claims and Australian Consumer Law, we have joined forces with Marque Lawyers to offer customised training for your business. Marque Lawyers is a boutique law firm based in Sydney with extensive experience advising on Australian Consumer Law and structuring claims in the best way for your business without waving a red flag to regulators or your competitors.
Together, we designed this training to educate your employees, marketing team and management, helping to raise awareness about how to make and substantiate your claims correctly and ensure compliance with your business’ legal obligations.
For more information about this training package, download the Marque Lawyers and GECA Environmental Claims Guide for a taster on the issues to consider when making environmental claims.
You can also contact Jess Mutton, Head of Business & Strategy at GECA – jessica@geca.org.au or Danielle Kroon at Marque Lawyers – daniellek@marquelawyers.com.au.
