Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

CMA closes investigation into Unilever’s ‘green’ claims, cites positive changes in industry

Greenwashing
Photo: iStock

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has on Wednesday announced the closure of its investigation into Unilever's environmental claims, noting the progress made by both Unilever and the broader fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in ensuring transparent green marketing.

The decision comes after the CMA observed positive changes in Unilever’s product claims and the wider impact of its Green Claims Code, which has encouraged businesses to accurately promote their environmental credentials.


“Given these points, and the ongoing impact of the CMA’s work, the CMA has decided as a matter of administrative priority to close this investigation,” the regulator said, adding that it has not taken a view on Unilever’s compliance with consumer law.

The investigation into Unilever, launched in December 2023, sought to examine whether the company's environmental marketing met consumer protection laws. The CMA at the time said they are concerned that Unilever may be overstating how green certain products are through the use of vague and broad claims, unclear statements around recyclability, and ‘natural’ looking images and logos.

The CMA commenced a review of environmental claims in the FMCG sector in January 2023, examining a wide range of products which are essential items used by people on a daily basis and repurchased regularly, such as food and drink, cleaning products, toiletries, and personal care items.

More for you

iStock 458922389

Boosted by buoyant grocery sales, Sainsbury's expects full year profit growth

British supermarket group Sainsbury's on Thursday (7) stuck to its full-year forecast of up to 10 per cent profit growth after a 3.7 per cent rise in the first half, with robust grocery sales offset by weakness in general merchandise.

Sainsbury's strategy of matching discounter Aldi's prices on hundreds of essential items and providing better offers for members of its Nectar loyalty scheme, financed by cutting costs, is paying off for CEO Simon Roberts.

Keep ReadingShow less
Small Business Saturday launches national roadshow and virtual workshops

Small Business Saturday launches national roadshow and virtual workshops

Small Business Saturday UK has launched its national roadshow that travels the length and breadth of the country ahead of Small Business Saturday on 7 December.

Kicked off in Lossiemouth on Monday (4 November), The Tour will travel over 3,000 miles across the UK for over the course of five weeks in an electric van to limit emissions and reflect the sustainable switches many small business owners are making as part of their vital role in the race to net zero.

Keep ReadingShow less
cadbury dairy milk

Cadbury core sharing bars to be wrapped in 80% recycled plastic packaging

Mondelēz International has on Thursday announced that its Cadbury core sharing bars, manufactured in Bournville and Coolock and sold in the UK and Ireland, will be wrapped in 80 per cent certified recycled plastic packaging, which can be attributed to plastic sourced from advanced recycling technology.

This move is the result of a collaboration with Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing more sustainable packaging solutions and Jindal Films, an industry leader in the development and manufacture of recyclable films designed for flexible packaging.

Keep ReadingShow less
hancocks Loughborough 3

Hancocks offers Black Friday bargains for retailers

Leading confectionery wholesaler Hancocks has unveiled ‘unbeatable’ deals for retail customers this Black Friday.

Their big Black Friday event will be held on 28 November from 8am-8pm.

Keep ReadingShow less