Sustainability Claims Are Now a Legal Matter
Environmental sustainability has become a key focus for many businesses across various industries, from plastics manufacturing to packaging and beyond. But Today, sustainability is not just a competitive advantage; it is a legal responsibility.
The UK government, through the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), is actively enforcing the Green Claims Code. This regulation targets misleading or unfounded environmental claims, particularly in industries where consumers and clients expect clarity around biodegradability, compostability, recyclability, and general “eco-friendly” marketing.
For manufacturers and suppliers, this means that vague claims like “100% compostable,” “biodegradable,” or “eco-safe” can no longer be made without robust, independently verified evidence.
The Green Claims Code: A Quick Overview
The Green Claims Code outlines six key principles that businesses must follow when making environmental claims. These principles state that claims must:
1. Be truthful and accurate
2. Be clear and unambiguous
3. Not omit or hide important information
4. Only make fair and meaningful comparisons
5. Consider the full life cycle of the product
6. Be substantiated with credible, up-to-date evidence
UKAS-Accredited Testing: Independent, Reliable Evidence
In this regulatory context, UKAS-accredited laboratories play a critical role. UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) is the national body that evaluates the competence of laboratories performing testing, calibration, and certification. When a laboratory is UKAS-accredited, it has shown that its methods and operations meet strict quality and technical standards.
This is particularly important for companies making claims related to:
– Biodegradability
– Compostability
– Degradation in marine or soil environments
– Plastic durability and weathering
– Material migration or contamination risks
UKAS-accredited testing provides credible, science-based evidence to support these claims, which provides businesses with a legal defence and helps to build public trust.
The Risk of Unverified Green Claims
Making sustainability claims without proper testing introduces significant risks. Businesses may face:
– Regulatory investigations by the CMA or Trading Standards
– Loss of retailer or distributor confidence
– Consumer backlash over “greenwashing”
– Fines or removal from the market
Independent testing ensures that claims stand up to regulatory and public scrutiny, protecting both brand reputation and legal position.
How Impact Solutions Can Help
Impact Solutions is a UKAS-accredited laboratory (No. 0402) with extensive experience in polymer and plastic testing.
We support companies across the packaging, manufacturing, and materials supply chain in meeting their compliance needs through:
– Compostability and biodegradability testing
– Real-environment disintegration testing
– Accelerated weathering and durability analysis
– Plastic formulation, migration, and failure testing
Whether you are launching a new sustainable product line or reviewing current packaging, we can help ensure that your environmental claims are fully supported by reliable, accredited data.
Get in Touch
Looking to validate your environmental claims? Speak to our expert team today.
Call 01324 489182 or contact us online to discuss your testing requirements.
You can also explore our full range of services here: https://www.impact-solutions.co.uk/services/
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