Many businesses worldwide have adopted eco-friendly practices to follow
long-term sustainable development goals while also appealing to many
environmentally conscious consumers. Some even promote their efforts and
earn certifications to prove their commitment to being “green.” However,
“green claims” on products and marketing materials can sometimes be
unclear or misleading. That’s where the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
sets things straight with the Green Guides.

What the FTC Green Guidelines Say About Recyclable, Recycled Content,
and Degradable

The FTC Green Guides set clear definitions for the terms “recyclable,”
“recycled content,” and “degradable” to help businesses use these claims
responsibly. Let’s go over how the FTC defines these terms and how they
should be correctly used in marketing.

Recyclable

The FTC defines “recyclable” products and packaging as items
that can be collected, processed, and turned into new
materials through most local recycling programs. A product
must meet this standard without misleading consumers to carry
a recyclable label. For example, if a plastic bottle is
labeled recyclable, it must be widely accepted in recycling
programs.

If only certain facilities can recycle the product, the label must
clearly state this limitation to avoid confusion. Businesses are
responsible for ensuring their recyclability claims are accurate.
To use the term “recyclable” correctly means they must verify that
their product or packaging is compatible with the recycling
systems available to most communities. Mislabeling a product as
recyclable can lead to mistrust, frustration for eco-friendly
consumers who go the extra mile and drop these at centers, and
even other legal consequences.

Recycled Content

“Recycled content” refers to materials in a product that are
reclaimed and reused either during manufacturing or after
being used by the customers. This includes pre-consumer waste,
like scraps from production, and post-consumer waste, like
recycled paper or plastic. If a company claims a notebook has
“50% recycled content,” it must prove that half of the
materials come from verified recycled sources.

The FTC Green Guides require businesses to accurately disclose the
percentage of recycled content so buyers can understand precisely
how much of the product is made from recycled materials.

Degradable Products

A product labeled “degradable” should completely break down
into natural elements within one year of disposal under
typical environmental conditions. This does not mean the
product falls apart into smaller pieces but fully decomposes
into non-toxic substances. For example, a bag labeled as
biodegradable is expected to decompose entirely in a standard
landfill within a year.

The FTC Green Guides emphasize that businesses making
degradability claims must provide scientific evidence to support
them.

This includes credible testing data that proves the product will
fully degrade as stated. Alternatively, brands can state if the
product has special requirements to decompose completely. One
example is the PLA packaging, which takes 3-6 months to break down
within industrial composting facilities but would take 80-100
years to degrade naturally. Regardless, the FTC looks into
degradable materials and labeling more thoroughly since these
items contribute to the trash economy.

How the Green Guides Challenge Businesses and Marketing

Promoting eco-friendly products and packaging can enhance a brand’s
image, but it comes with the responsibility of being truthful.
Businesses must provide clear and accurate claims to maintain
credibility and uphold the integrity of sustainable marketing.

The FTC Green Guides are vital resources for businesses to ensure their
environmental statements are truthful and evidence based. Adhering to
these guidelines protects brands and fosters stronger connections with
consumers who value transparency and sustainability.

Why Businesses Need to Comply with FTC’s Guidelines?

How Does the FTC Green Guide Impact Consumers?

Communicating Environment-Friendly Efforts Moving Forward

Clear and honest communication about environmental claims helps build
trust between businesses and customers. By following the FTC Green
Guides, companies can ensure their products have accurate promotions
with their eco-friendly efforts. This honesty also lets buyers choose
products that match their environment-empowering values, knowing they
support real sustainability efforts. For businesses, sticking to these
guidelines protects their branding and encourages them to use more
sustainable practices. Ultimately, these rules help consumers make
better choices and push companies to focus on real environmental
responsibility in their products and packaging, thus solidifying a
“system” that truly benefits the planet.