Coca-Cola, Danone, and Nestlé accused of greenwashing – what does the committee say?

Coca-Cola, Danone and Nestlé have been accused of making misleading claims about the recycling of plastic bottles, following a complaint by the consumer organization to the European Commission alleging attempted greenwashing.

As revealed by the BBC, the complaint relates to the fact that plastic bottles are not entirely made from recycled materials, which has led to a cold response from companies. Coca-Cola indicated that its packaging claims could be substantiated, Nestlé indicated that it was working to reduce its use of plastic packaging, and Danone indicated that it was continuing to invest in recycling infrastructure.

The three multinational companies are accused of greenwashing, because they describe something as more environmentally friendly, greener or more sustainable than it actually is, which can mislead consumers who hope to help the planet by choosing products from the three groups that bear these characteristics.

Ultimately, are plastic bottles recycled or not?

The complaint filed with the European Commission focuses on the companies’ claims that the single-use plastic water bottles they supply are either 100% recycled or 100% recyclable.

However, the European Consumers Organisation, with support from environmental groups Client Earth and ECOS, stressed that this claim is misleading, especially when accompanied by green labels or similarly inspiring branding.

As they point out to the BBC, “Bottles are not made entirely from recycled materials, and whether they can be recycled depends on a number of factors, including the infrastructure available.”

Nestlé confirms: “We are working hard to reduce the amount of plastic packaging we use.”

“The evidence is clear – plastic water bottles are simply not being recycled over and over again into new bottles in Europe,” said Rosa Pritchard, plastics lawyer at environmental law charity ClientEarth.

“A 100% recycling rate for plastic bottles is not technically possible, and just because bottles are made from recycled plastic, it doesn’t mean they aren’t harming people and the planet. He explained that it is important that companies do not present recycling as a magic solution to the plastic crisis – instead It should focus its efforts on reducing plastic at the source of bottle manufacturing.

How are companies responding?

In response, Coca-Cola explained that it is “working to reduce the amount of plastic packaging it uses, while continually investing to collect and recycle the equivalent of the packaging it uses.” “We only communicate messages on our packaging that are verifiable, with relevant standards clearly displayed so consumers can make informed choices,” she said. “Some of our packaging carries recycling awareness messages, including whether our packaging is recyclable and whether it is made from recycled content,” he added.

Meanwhile, a Nestlé representative said we are also “working hard to reduce the amount of plastic packaging we use, direct investments in the right direction to support packaging circularity with our partners, and clearly communicate this message to consumers who want to make informed choices.” “Nestle has reduced the amount of its primary plastic packaging by 10.5% since 2018, and we are on track to reach a third less plastic equivalent by the end of 2025.”

“We strongly believe in recycling packaging – and we will continue to invest in and lead the campaign for better collection and recycling infrastructure together with our partners,” Danone emphasized in its statement.

If the European Commission approves the complaint, it can organize a coordinated response from national consumer authorities, which can then take the necessary action. This may include requiring companies to take corrective action or impose fines. However, the committee does not have the authority to impose sanctions on its own.

source: after that