As every year, at the close of the Cosmetic Valley Perfumes & Cosmetics Congress held on 8 and 9 November 2023, the FEBEA team answered questions prepared by congress participants during the two days of conferences. Focus on issues related to the new environmental regulations, with several of their very practical implications.
They answered questions from delegates
• Marie Guirand, Scientific and Regulatory Advisor
• Erwan Poivet, Scientific Advisor
And particularly in the area of environmental reguations
• Xavier Gueant, Director of Legal Affairs
• Stéphanie Lumbers, Director of Sustainable Development
• Valérie Colin, Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs
• Catherine Bramaud, Scientific and Regulatory Advisor
Claims
Question – Brand’s name
Under Regulation 1223/2009, a brand is already considered to be a claim. Do brands that convey an environmental idea, such as L’Arbre Vert (The Green Tree), have a particular obligation to demonstrate their respect for the environment, and if so, what is it? Could they be obliged to change the name of their brand?
Xavier Guéant’s answer
This question also applies to many other brands. Indeed, a brand is part of a company’s communication and therefore falls under the assessment of unfair or misleading commercial practices and greenwashing. But this must also be set against intellectual property rights. It’s a brand that has been registered for a long time, that has been the subject of a certain amount of investment, so there’s a balance to be struck in terms of the effect on the consumer, but also in terms of …
