What Are the Major Drivers of Greenwashing?
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the impact of human activity on the environment. As a result, many companies have begun to adopt eco-friendly practices and promote their products as being environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, not all of these claims are true. This is known as greenwashing, and it is a major problem in the industry. The team at Change Plastic for Good wants to help consumers avoid falling for these tactics. That is why we have put together some information exploring what the major drivers of greenwashing are.
1. Profitability and Greed
Companies usually engage in greenwashing because it is profitable. Consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products, and companies are aware of this. By promoting their products as green, they can charge a premium and increase their profits; however, these claims may not always be accurate. Companies may exaggerate the environmental benefits of their products or make claims that are impossible to verify.
Read here about the dangers of greenwashing.
2. Lack of Regulations
Another driver of greenwashing is the lack of clear regulations and guidelines. There is no standard definition of what constitutes an environmentally friendly product. This means that companies can make vague claims about their products without fear of being held accountable. As a result, it is up to consumers to do their research and make informed decisions.
3. The Competition Does It
The pressure to compete is strong. Companies may feel that they need to keep up with their competitors by promoting their products as green. This can create a race to the bottom, where companies make increasingly exaggerated claims in order to stand out. This is particularly problematic in industries where there is little differentiation between products, such as cleaning supplies or personal care products.
4. Offsetting
Companies may engage in greenwashing to deflect attention away from their environmental impact. By promoting their products as environmentally friendly, they can distract from other areas where they may not be as sustainable. This is known as “offsetting” and it is a common tactic in the industry. For example, a company may promote a reusable water bottle as a green alternative to disposable plastic bottles but fail to address the impact of its manufacturing process or supply chain.
At Change Plastic for Good, we believe in transparency and accountability. That is why we are proud to offer BDP polymer, a product that truly helps accelerate the breakdown process and decrease the amount of plastic waste in landfills. If you want to learn more about it, we are at your service. Just fill out our online contact form, and we will soon get in touch!
