In a recent development, the European Commission and national consumer authorities have taken action against twenty airlines, including Brussels Airlines, for making misleading greenwashing claims. These airlines have been given 30 days to comply with European consumer law or face sanctions.
Last year, over twenty European consumer organizations filed a complaint against seventeen airlines, including those in the Lufthansa group, Air France, KLM, and Ryanair, for greenwashing. The complaint was submitted to the European Commission and the Network of EU National Consumer Authorities.
Greenwashing occurs when companies make unfounded environmental claims to appear more environmentally friendly than they actually are, misleading consumers and posing risks to the environment. The European Commission and CPC Network found potentially misleading claims on airline websites related to CO2 emissions compensation and the use of “sustainable aviation fuel.”
Terms such as green, sustainable, and responsible are used by airlines to create a false impression of environmental friendliness. They use dubious CO2 calculators and comparison methods to deceive consumers about the environmental impact of aviation.
The airlines have been notified of the misleading claims and have 30 days to propose solutions to address the concerns raised by CPC authorities. Failure to comply may result in sanctions being imposed on the airlines.
Overall, greenwashing in the aviation industry is significant as it poses risks both to the environment and society. It is crucial that airlines provide accurate and transparent information to consumers so that they can make informed decisions about their environmental impact.
In conclusion, this action by European Commission and national consumer authorities sends an important message that companies cannot get away with false advertising or greenwashing practices without consequences. It highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in marketing practices across all industries.
