Germany
Deutsche Umwelthilfe v. Beiersdorf AG
Jurisdiction: Regional Court of Hamburg
Side A: Deutsche Umwelthilfe (Ngo)
Side B: Beiersdorf AG (Corporation)
Core objectives: Whether various advertising statements regarding "100% climate neutralised products" are in breach of German competition law
Summary
In 2022, Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) filed legal action against Beiersdorf AG due to various advertising statements concerning "100% climate neutralised products" . The statements also included the information that Beiersdorf AG used carbon offsetting through certified climate protection projects to compensate remaining emissions.DUH argued that these advertising claims were in breach of the German Act Against Unfair Competition. First, DUH criticised the advertising of the cosmetic products because the statements lacked sufficient information on the products or the company's website to enable customers to obtain information as to why this product had an environmental benefit. Second, DUH pointed out that information about the company's own emissions reduction efforts were missing. Third, it argued that the information provided about the reforestation project in Liangdu (China) was insufficient.
This case is part of a series of DUH legal proceedings concerning climate neutrality advertising promises. An overview of the ongoing proceedings (as of 18 January 2018) is published here.
Documents will be uploaded when made available.
from the Grantham Research Institute
from the Grantham Research Institute
