FTC Issues New Green Marketing Rules

Cracking down on misleading claims of environmental friendliness in marketing materials for numerous products and technologies, the Federal Trade Commission has issued new rules respecting the use of terms like “degradable” and “carbon offset” in advertising materials and on product packaging. Proponents of claims that products are “environmentally friendly” will be expected to produce competent and reliable scientific studies backing up their claims. Use of misleading certifications and seals of approval could subject advertisers to penalties. The guidelines discourage use of ambiguous phrases like “renewable materials” or “renewable energy” in favor of specific information about the materials and energy sources used in product manufacturing.