Greenwashing is now not only a potential reputational risk but is increasingly becoming a compliance and legal risk for organisations. With the FCA’s Anti-Greenwashing regulation having come into effect in May 2024, updated guidance from the CMA and the EU agreeing to ban unverified green products and organisations having to substantiate, communicate, and verify their green claims, organisations can no longer leave green claims ambiguous or lack supporting evidence. With punishments for nonadherence ranging from fines of up to 10% of global turnover to suspensions and the risk of litigation by investors and other stakeholders, navigating this area is essential.

• Ensuring marketing teams are aware of new legislation /sources of potential greenwashing claims and explain how their material can be non-compliant when exaggerating green claims

• Examine the limits of your sustainability statements and how to gain maximum value from your marketing whilst remaining compliant

• Discuss how you quantify your ESG claims and verify what your statements say in order to minimise the likelihood of greenwashing claims and/or breach of legislation.