How to Back Up Your Eco-Claims

Here’s how to gain retailer and consumer trust when using some of the most common green-related claims:

Biodegradable: There are several definitions for biodegradability (e.g. “readily” or “inherent”) that each have separate test methods specified by credible guidelines from the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD: www.oecd.org), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM: www.astm.org) and the International Standard Organization (ISO: www.iso.org), to name a few. Specific details about the “biodegradability” claim should be provided and a valid guideline should be referenced for the claim to be considered credible.

Lead-free: The term “lead-free” became popular thanks in large part to toy recalls between 2006 and 2008 owing to high levels of lead found in children’s products. Support your claim of “lead-free” with information such as federally regulated test methods performed and the test results.

Phthalate-free: This claim gained public attention when the plastic softening agent, which can lead to negative health effects as a result of hormone disruption, was found leaching from baby products like teething rings. Prominence of these issues in the media and with the public has greatly increased claims of “phthalate-free” on children’s products. Federally regulated test methods and the test results should be made publicly available at minimum on the company website.

BPA-free: BPA (Bisphenol-A) is an estrogenic chemical used in making polycarbonate plastic drinking and baby bottles as well as many other products. While several U.S. states and the Canadian federal government have placed bans on BPA in plastic baby bottles, claiming that a product is “BPA-free” is insufficient without third-party certification or verification. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA: www.epa.gov) announced in March that it is looking to add BPA to its list of chemicals of concern, which could mean regulation and required testing related to environmental effects.

Eco-friendly: “Eco-friendly” implies that the product is good for the environment, but consumers need more information to determine whether the product has the green attributes of interest to them. Additional details to support this claim might include third-party certifications such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS: www.global-standard.org), which only certifies textile products that contain a minimum of 70 percent organic fibers and also covers environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing and labeling.

Organic: Claims like “organic” found on cotton baby bibs and children’s stuffed toys should carry proof, such as a credible certification of a standard like USDA Organic (www.ams.usda.gov). Products labeled “organic” under the USDA standard must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). Interestingly, this standard does not cover the processes by which it was made into cloth, nor the finished product. This means marketers will want to be specific about what exactly is certified.