Ympäristöväittämät

Ympäristöväittämät, known in English as environmental claims, are statements made by companies or organizations about the environmental attributes of their products, services, or operations. These claims can appear on packaging, in advertising, or in corporate sustainability reports. The purpose of such claims is often to communicate positive environmental performance to consumers and stakeholders, potentially influencing purchasing decisions and enhancing brand image.

Environmental claims can take many forms, ranging from broad assertions like "eco-friendly" or "sustainable" to more specific claims such as "made from recycled materials," "energy efficient," or "biodegradable." The effectiveness and credibility of these claims depend heavily on their accuracy, substantiation, and clarity.

Concerns about the potential for misleading or unsubstantiated environmental claims have led to increased scrutiny and regulation in many parts of the world. Greenwashing, the practice of making false or exaggerated environmental claims to deceive consumers, is a significant issue that regulators and consumer protection agencies aim to combat. To ensure transparency and consumer trust, many jurisdictions have established guidelines and standards for environmental claims. These often require that claims be specific, verifiable, and not misleading. Certification schemes and third-party verification are also common mechanisms used to lend credibility to environmental claims.