BEUC, the EU umbrella organization of 45 consumer protection organizations, is today launching a complaint against the manufacturers of water in plastic bottles over allegations of greenwashing. The complaint is directed against Coca-Cola HBC, Danone, Nestlé Waters, and other companies. BEUC and consumer protection organizations from 13 member states will submit their complaint to the European Commission and the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) network and call on them to launch an investigation.
The consumer protection organizations accuse the retailers of making misleading advertising claims about the recyclability of their products. BEUC bases its accusations on an analysis according to which the companies do not comply with EU regulations on unfair commercial practices. The analysis was carried out by Client Earth and ECOS – Environmental Coalition on Standards.
Criticism is aimed at: