The ClientEarth foundation has filed a lawsuit against Nestlé Poland, alleging that the company’s labeling of Nałęczowianka water bottles as eco-friendly misleads consumers.
Greenwashing Allegations
The ClientEarth foundation, a non-governmental organization, has taken Nestlé Poland to court over claims of greenwashing on the labeling of Nałęczowianka water bottles. The labels in question include phrases such as “I’m 100% made from recycled PET plastic* (*not including the cap and label),” “I’m made from another bottle,” and “Suitable for recycling.”
Lawsuit and Negotiations
ClientEarth argues that these claims suggest that single-use plastic bottles are part of a closed-loop economy, which is misleading. The organization had previously supported a complaint to the European Commission against Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Danone over similar recycling claims. After failed negotiations with Nestlé Poland, ClientEarth filed the lawsuit with the Warsaw District Court.
Company Response and Industry Context
Nestlé Poland has stated that it disagrees with ClientEarth’s allegations and will defend its position in court. The company claims to follow internal guidelines to ensure compliance with national and European laws regarding marketing communications. Meanwhile, ClientEarth cites a survey indicating that consumers are often misled by such eco-friendly labeling, leading to increased purchases of products perceived as environmentally friendly.
Environmental Impact and Solutions
ClientEarth emphasizes that while recycling and waste sorting are crucial, they are not sufficient to address the plastic crisis. The organization advocates for reducing plastic production and promoting reusable solutions. According to Kamila Drzewicka, a senior lawyer at ClientEarth, a deposit return system, set to be implemented in October, will help but is not enough on its own to solve the problem.
