You can spot greenwashing by vague sustainability terms (“eco”, “green”, “natural”) without a certificate, missing licence codes and absolute claims (“100% carbon neutral”) without a source document.
The five typical warning signs
- Vague terms without a definition (“eco friendly”, “green”, “natural”).
- A certificate logo without a licence code or register link.
- Absolute claims without evidence (“100% sustainable”, “CO2-free”).
- Origin claims without a country (“European” without a specific country).
- Refusal to supply a transaction certificate in the name of your order.
What to ask for
- The certificate licence code (e.g. FSC C012345 or GOTS licence no.).
- A transaction certificate in the name of your order.
- An LCA or CO2 source document for emission claims.
- A social audit report (Fair Wear, SEDEX, BSCI).
- A material passport stating the recycled percentage.
Why it’s becoming more important
The EU Green Claims Directive (in force in 2026) prohibits unsubstantiated sustainability claims. Fines can reach 4% of turnover. Companies that already communicate on an evidence basis today limit their legal risk.
More on our avoiding greenwashing page.
