Greenwashing no more.

This publication is designed to help guide buyers of print and promotional merchandise to make the most informed purchasing decisions in terms of environmental and sustainability considerations.

It includes some definitions of greenwash and what to find out. Only with substantiated facts and validated claims from the supply chain, can we make the most considered choices.

It’s a work in progress in a world of constant change, and the more we learn along the way, the more informed our choices can be.

The print and promotional product industries are full of creative people.

The time has come

to think creatively for the future.

IT’S TIME TO UPDATE OUR THINKING, OUR LANGUAGE, AND OUR ACTIONS.

Eco-friendly Sustainable

Environmentally friendly

What do they really mean and are they appropriate?

The Cambridge dictionary defines eco-friendly as:

not harmful to the environment, or trying to help the environment.

The United Nations defines sustainable as:

something that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

The ACCC states: ‘Green’, ‘environmentally friendly’, ‘eco-friendly’ or ‘environmentally safe’

Businesses should clearly and accurately explain why their products are ‘greener’, or more environmentally ‘safe’ or ‘friendly’ than other similar products. If no other information is provided to support such claims, they should not be relied upon and could, in some circumstances, be considered misleading.

https://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/publications/your-consumer-rights-environmental-claims

We can’t say it is, when it isn’t.

With climate change and sustainability at the forefront of consumers’ minds, the need to be aware of compliance obligations is becoming more important.

Environmental considerations are often directly impacting purchasing decisions.

The ACCC

has prioritised enforcement and compliance activities in the pursuit of businesses’ claims made in relation to the environment and sustainability

https://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/accc-priorities/compliance -and-enforcement-policy-and-priorities#toc-this-year-s-priorities

This is a growing trend, not a passing one.

what we can do.

Using “green” credentials as a marketing tool is entirely legitimate, providing the credentials are genuine, and can be shown to be so. Therefore, we need to be very clear about what we say.

The gaps in the information provided are often because it’s unknown. We need to be able to rely on our supply chain - so suppliers need to know.

ask.

Many proactive suppliers already have and do provide the correct information. Many though, are selling products for which they don’t yet disclose all the information purchasers need, or they’re providing misleading information.

By asking questions, we can help all suppliers to attain and communicate the facts needed to make responsible purchasing decisions.

look for certified, verified.

When a supplier has undergone formal certification to meet externally recognised standards, we can verify what these standards mean. Providing that the certification requires regular third-party audits, we can know that the business or products continue to meet the relevant standards.

Standards used can include:

• ISO Certification (incl 9001, 14001)

• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

• Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)

• Australian Certified Organic

• Sustainable Green Print (SGP, by PVCA)

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

• The Modern Slavery Act

• Fairtrade International

• B Corp certified

• OEKO-TEX