Greenwash tackled by environmental experts

27 May 2010, source edie newsroom

As an increasing number of high profile companies are being caught out for making green claims they cannot back up, a round table event looked at how to expose 'greenwash.'

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The event yesterday (May 28) discussed firms like sandwich chain Pret, who were recently caught out over the sustainability of its 'fresh' tuna which was frozen and flown in from South America.

And, with Defra looking to update its Green Claims Code floor experts InterfaceFLOR gathered leading green experts for 'Let's Be Clear - Wiping Out Greenwash'.

Sustainability consultant at Salterbaxter, Nigel Salter, says the recent recession has seen some high profile names lose their way as they look to maintain profits.

Referring to Body Shop, he said: "If you look at what they're selling it's basically on price they no longer push ethical values.

"The story has completely lost its way .... It's not down to being owned by L'oreal actually they've been applying pressure to Body Shop and they're starting to turn thing around."

Watch Mr Salter's talk below

Other speakers at the event included Ramon Arratia, European sustainability director for InterfaceFLOR - a global carpet tile manufacturer and environmental pioneer.

Watch his talk here

And Michael Collins, principal life cycle assessment consultant, at Environmental Resources Management (ERM) - a leading provider of environmental consulting services.

Watch his talk here

Luke Walsh

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