As businesses rush to go green, consumers face growing risks of greenwashing

Being green is in vogue, and businesses are recognising that it can be good for their bottom line too. Many companies around the world have made authentic efforts in their green transition but, at the same time, others are falling into the murky depths of ‘greenwashing’, blurring the lines for consumers and stakeholders.

Some firms also omitted information like their pollution levels in order to seem more environmentally friendly. PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

SINGAPORE - A firm that makes beauty products announced that it was selling its green tea seed serum in "paper bottles" but these turned out to be plastic, with just the external wrapping made of paper.

Customers accused the brand of "greenwashing" - the process of businesses leading consumers or stakeholders into believing that their practices, products or services are more environmentally positive than they actually are.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.