LONDON – Research on claims about environmental performance on products and packaging has been published by the London-based Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (D.E.F.R.A.). Examining the number and types of claims being made, this research will be used to inform D.E.F.R.A.’s work to update the Green Claims Code.

“Marketing and packaging increasingly tell us about the environmental credentials of everything from washing powder to cars,” said Environment Minister Lord Henley. “While it’s good news that manufacturers are trying to reduce the environmental impact of their products, as consumers we need to know that the claims being made are not misleading, otherwise we will stop using our purchasing power to do the right thing.

“This research assesses which green claims are currently made and I am looking forward to the findings being used to help D.E.F.R.A. to update the Green Claims Code,” he added.

This research is the latest in a series of projects commissioned to contribute to the update of the green claims code. Previous projects examined green claims in marketing and consumer understanding of green claims and specific terminology.

To read all published research projects, visit: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/scp/evidence/theme2/products0910.htm