In 2021 and 2022, the DGCCRF conducted an unprecedented investigation into the control of environmental claims used to promote non-food products and services. In total, out of the 1100 establishments checked, one in four was in anomaly. In order to sanction greenwashing commercial practices, DGCCRF investigators issued 141 warnings, 114 injunctions and 18 criminal or administrative proceedings.
Consumer interest in more responsible consumption continues to grow: nearly three out of four French people say they are changing their daily practices to reduce the impact of their consumption, and a similar proportion are asking for better information on the environmental and social impact of the products they buy. In this context, professionals are increasingly communicating on the sustainability, responsibility and environmental friendliness of the products or services they market.
The DGCCRF wanted to ensure that these claims do not mislead the consumer, are based on the reality of the manufacturing process and are part of an ecological transition approach.
A quarter of the establishments inspected in anomaly
In 2021 and 2022, the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control conducted checks on the fairness of environmental claims used to promote non-food products and services, as well as on the fairness of labels presented as ecological. The investigators checked all types of media (packaging, labels, websites, social networks, catalogues, shop windows, in-store advertising, etc.) for environmental claims on various products such as cosmetics, textiles, furniture products, toys, foodstuffs packaging, but also services such as hotels and laundry.
Of the 1100 establishments checked, a quarter of them had anomalies. …
