Compostable, Biobased & Environmental Claims

Can packaging say "eco-friendly"?

Updated:

Direct answer

I would avoid using "eco-friendly" as a standalone claim. It is too broad.

I would avoid using "eco-friendly" as a standalone claim.

It is too broad. Consumers may interpret it as meaning the product is better across climate impact, toxicity, waste, resource use, and end-of-life performance.

Specific claims are more useful and more defensible, for example:

  • contains X% bamboo fiber by weight;
  • contains X% verified biobased content;
  • made with X% post-consumer recycled material;
  • certified commercially compostable;
  • packaging made from recyclable paperboard;
  • product tested for a stated performance standard.

The narrower and more measurable the claim, the easier it is for a customer to understand what is actually different.

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