There is no doubt in the favorability of green products on the market compared to their conventional competitors. In fact, 66% of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable goods. More than ever before, consumers are considering buying muted earth-tone products that claim to be ‘organic’, ‘eco-friendly’, ‘green’, or ‘sustainable’. This successful advertising ploy does not always accurately represent what the company stands for, and “greenwashes” the product. Greenwashing ultimately convinces consumers they are making a favoured choice. It is due to false or misleading advertisements that promote non-existing sustainability assets.
One of the most common types of greenwashing takes place when companies with typically unsustainable practices highlight an environmental effort they made in an attempt to shape consumers’ perception. However, their use of greenwashing does not represent the inherent values of the company.
An example of the clear manifestation of greenwashing taking place in the Dawn, an American dishwashing soap company ad campaign. Due to the many chemicals and artificial scents used in their cleaning products, Dawn products are far from sustainable. Yet the company has carried out multiple ad campaigns and commercials depicting workers helping animals impacted by oil spills. In addition, they emphasized the donations they have made for the cause of wildlife on their website and on their products, claiming “Dawn helps save wildlife”. The company might have donated towards an environmental cause, which is impressive. However, as a business, they are producing a very unsustainable product that counteracts the virtuous act of giving back.
The best way to avoid deception is to educate yourself and the company to avoid falling into the trap of greenwashing. As a consumer, look past the pretty packaging and find out more about a company’s production ethics. As a company, reflect on how accurate the sustainability claims are.
Developing an SDG strategy is key in taking action in making your business more sustainable. Following the guidelines of the framework and actively incorporating the goals into the strategic goals of the organisation gives authenticity to sustainable practices and transparency in communication. The SDG Impact Play helps companies to develop their strategies. Moreover, it helps to advance the one they already have to make it more effective and align the employees with the new strategy.
Opening up a line of communication with customers is one way of gaining awareness of how the brand’s claims are satisfying the consumers. Receiving feedback is extremely valuable. Above all, it enables gaining an outsider’s perspective on how a product is perceived.
It can be difficult to have control over all the working facets of a company. From suppliers to investors, people’s priorities can differ which can result in a variety of sustainable values. However, the more people who are a part of your SDG strategy, the more impactful it will be.
Compensating with one sustainable act for many other unsustainable practices is not a solution. People value honesty, and honesty follows trust, further gaining loyal customers. Without transparency, customers are less likely to develop trust in the green claims of a company. Therefore, make facts clear and accessible rather than vague and out of context. And if you do not manage to be 100% in the desired all-around sustainability, it is better to acknowledge the problem areas and underline the ways you work to tackle them. Customer empathy will overcome that and they will admire your courage and the new direction.
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein
