The UK Competition Authority tightens scrutiny on ‘green’ claims in the market for fast-moving consumer goods

As litigation based on claims of greenwashing steadily increases, examination of consumer facing businesses and their ESG statements continues to rise. On 26 January, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) announced that it was expanding its scrutiny of greenwashing claims into the fast-moving consumer goods (“FMCG”) sector. The investigation will focus on essential products that consumers use on a daily basis and regularly repurchase, such as dishwashing items and toilet products of which 91% and 100%, respectively, market themselves as ‘green’ or ‘environmentally friendly’. The CMA will analyse claims made in store