ACCC to compel companies to back up environmental claims with evidence

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has published draft guidelines on compelling companies to back up their environmental claims with evidence, such as whether a bottle really is free of plastic. Photograph: Allison Dinner/EPA

Companies should have evidence to back up claims they make about their environmental sustainability, according to draft guidelines developed by the competition watchdog in a bid to stamp out greenwashing.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) published the draft guidance on Friday after its recent greenwashing internet sweep identified concerning practices ranging from overstating climate action to companies developing their own certification schemes.