On October 31, 2024, LA County Counsel filed a lawsuit against PepsiCo and Coca Cola on behalf of California in an attempt to hold the companies “accountable for their role in the plastic crisis that is overwhelming the...more
Protecting the planet against climate change is a social movement—and big business. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued detailed and specific guidance for marketers about how to substantiate so-called green...more
Companies should take note – there is increased global scrutiny around environmental or green marketing, or so-called “greenwashing,” claims. These claims stem from alleged wrongdoing in companies’ marketing representations...more
Breaded fish fillets were the latest target of an ESG class action lawsuit examining sustainable certifications, traceability claims, and broad environmental benefit claims for ConAgra’s fish fillets and similar seafood...more
On February 20, 2024, India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) proposed guidelines for the prevention and regulation of greenwashing (Greenwashing Guidelines). The guidelines would instruct service providers,...more
New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against JBS USA Food Company and JBS USA Food Company Holdings (“JBS”), subsidiaries of a Brazilian company, the world’s largest beef and poultry producers, for...more
The EU is stepping up its fight against greenwashing and empowers consumers for the green transition with a new Directive on empowering consumers for the green transition through better protection against unfair practices and...more
It’s that time of year again—Ad Law Symposium is back! Please join us in DC for this highly anticipated event focused on providing you with the information you need to promote your brand with confidence. Combining the...more
As we anxiously await the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) update of the Green Guides, advertisers should keep in mind the various “green” state laws that could affect the production and marketing of certain products. For...more
Advertisers wishing to emphasize their environmental progressiveness often assert that their products or processes are "carbon neutral." This is meant to convey that there are no net emissions of carbon associated with the...more
In today’s environmentally conscious world, green marketing has become a significant trend for businesses aiming to attract eco-minded consumers. Companies often use eco-friendly claims to promote their products and services,...more
Assembly Bill 1305 (AB 1305), also called the Voluntary Market Disclosures Act, is a new California statute requiring companies to make certain disclosures if they make claims in the state regarding greenhouse gas (GHG)...more
While the modalities of advertising may change, advertising’s core tenant of claims substantiation remains an unwavering constant. As such, legal and regulatory professionals in marketing and advertising set their calendars...more
Environmental advertising claims remain a hot area of regulator action, with the Federal Trade Commission in the process of updating the FTC Green Guides. State legislatures like California’s also remain active in the area,...more
Brands continue to promote sustainable and eco-friendly qualities of their products and services, and regulators are sharpening their enforcement tools in response. Both the United States and European Union took steps in the...more
Key Takeaways - What’s happening? On May 23, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a public workshop – “Talking Trash at the FTC: Recyclable Claims and the Green Guides” – to discuss “recyclable” advertising...more
For the first time since 2012, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC or Commission) is actively evaluating potential updates to its Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (Green Guides or Guides) to provide clarity...more
The FTC will likely update Green Guides provisions, impacting corporate decision-making in marketing and throughout the value chain. Latham & Watkins is pleased to present a series of Clients Alerts on environmental,...more
Consumers seem to want to buy products made from sustainable materials or made in sustainable ways. At least, companies seem to think that’s what consumers want, as they continue making claims about how environmentally...more
On May 23, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission hosted a national workshop designed to consider the current state of recycling practices and recycling-related advertising. This follows an FTC announcement in December 2022 that...more
As consumers actively seek more environmentally friendly products and services, companies have increased “green” advertising efforts to highlight eco-friendly claims and certifications related to carbon emissions, renewable...more
Abraham Lizama purchased a turquoise sweater from H&M’s “Conscious Choice” collection, a line of clothing “created with a little extra consideration for the planet” which generally include “at least 50% of more sustainable...more
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s Green Guides focused on “greenwashing” before it was en vogue. Originally issued in 1992 and revised in 1996, 1998, and 2012, the FTC designed the guides to help companies avoid making...more
Consumers are increasingly conscious of how the products they buy impact the environment. Due to this heightened focus on environmental issues, consumer-facing companies frequently highlight the environmentally friendly...more