In Graphics | Unilever under fire for 'greenwashing' consumers. What does this mean?

Dove maker Unilever has come under the fire for “greenwashing” its consumers about its products.

The United Kingdom regulator Competition and Market Authority (CMA) has opened a probe against the British FMCG giant over claims that it misled consumers that their products are environment-friendly, according to BBC.

Issuing a statement on 12 December, the watchdog said an initial review into the multi-billion company’s tactics found that it was using a range of “concerning practices,” like corporate greenwashing, to sell its products.

The statement read, “Essentials like detergent, kitchen spray, and toiletries are the kinds of items you put in your supermarket basket every time you shop. More and more people are trying to do their bit to help protect the environment, but we’re worried many are being misled by so-called ‘green’ products that aren’t what they seem.”

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It added that it was concerning Unilever might be overstating how clean and green its products were.

Unilever owns brands such as Dove, Comfort and the deodorant brand Lynx among others.

It highlighted the use of colours and imagery, such as green leaves, to make its products appear greener than they were.

Responding to the statement, Unilever said that it was “disappointed” by the investigation, while adding it would cooperate with the watchdog.

"We refute that our claims are in any way misleading. Unilever is committed to making responsible claims about the benefits of our products on our packs and to these being transparent and clear," a company spokesperson said.

If the company is found guilty of greenwashing claims, the agency could take legal action and the case could even go to trial.

Here’s all we know about the shady world of greenwashing.

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