As environmental awareness rises globally, so does the demand for green products.
However, distinguishing genuine sustainability claims from greenwashing—where companies exaggerate or falsely advertise the environmental benefits of their products—has become increasingly challenging. Domtar, in partnership with Two Sides North America, is actively combating greenwashing to promote transparency in environmental marketing.
Greenwashing misleads consumers about the environmental benefits of products. With 456 ecolabels in the marketplace, many claims about being eco-friendly or natural lack substantiation. This trend has prompted legal actions against brands accused of misleading marketing, pushing for accountability in environmental claims.
Two Sides North America, representing the forestry and paper industries, is dedicated to debunking myths about paper and confronting misleading messages, such as the "go green, go paperless" campaigns. These claims often suggest that going paperless saves trees, ignoring the sustainability of paper, which is highly recyclable and has a low carbon footprint.
As a member of Two Sides North America, Domtar advocates for consumer choice and fact-based representations of paper sustainability. The company adheres to the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides and collaborates with environmental organizations to enhance its sustainability practices.
Domtar and Two Sides aim to educate consumers on the real environmental impacts of paper versus electronic communication. With 68% of paper recycled in the U.S., paper remains a sustainable option compared to the growing footprint of digital alternatives. Their Anti-Greenwashing Campaign raises awareness and encourages consumers to report misleading claims.
In summary, as the trend toward sustainability grows, Domtar and Two Sides North America are committed to fighting greenwashing, ensuring consumers have access to accurate information to make informed choices that genuinely benefit the environment.
TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/