Global FMCG firm Unilever is being investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) following claims that it made “vague and broad” statements about its products’ environmentally-friendly qualities.
The UK’s consumer watchdog is primarily concerned that that the firm’s leading consumer brands such as Dove and Comfort are actively misleading consumers with so-called “green” claims on household products.
As part of the process, the CMA could now ask Unilever to change the way it operates or take it to court.
The historic British company has said that it will cooperate with the watchdog, but that it was “surprised and disappointed”.
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“Essentials like detergent, kitchen spray, and toiletries are the kinds of items you put in your supermarket basket every time you shop,” said CMA chief executive, Sarah Cardell.
“More and more people are trying to do their bit to help protect the environment, but we’re worried many are being misled by so-called ‘green’ products that aren’t what they seem.”
She added: “So far, the evidence we’ve seen has raised concerns about how Unilever presents certain products as environmentally friendly. We’ll be drilling down into these claims to see if they measure up. If we find they’re greenwashing, we’ll take action to make sure shoppers are protected.”
Although Unilever has positioned itself as a global leader in sustainability, it is on course to sell 53 billion non-reusable sachets this year alone, breaking pledges it has made on the reduction of single-use plastics.
Greenpeace has attacked Unilever with a stunt outside the firm’s UK headquarters, slamming the company for its shocking use of single use plastic.
“Behind Dove’s squeaky clean public image lies a true story of real harm. Despite telling the world it cares about people and the planet it’s pumping out a devastating amount of damaging single-use plastic every single minute,” said Greenpeace plastics campaigner Anna Diski at the time.
Unilever said it was “committed to making responsible claims about the benefits of our products on our packs and to these being transparent and clear”. It also said it and has “robust processes in place to make sure any claims can be substantiated”.
