FTC Green Guides governing environmental marketing claims — eco-friendly, sustainable, biodegradable, recycled, compostable, and carbon neutral product claims.
What this covers
The FTC Green Guides (16 CFR Part 260) prohibit unqualified environmental claims that consumers can't independently verify — calling a product 'eco-friendly' or 'sustainable' without specific, substantiated backing is a deceptive claim under FTC rules. Biodegradable claims require proof that the product will completely break down within a reasonably short time under customary disposal conditions. Carbon-neutral and climate claims must have clear methodology and third-party verification; vague 'green' or 'planet-friendly' framing without qualification is specifically flagged by the FTC as likely to deceive.
Start with the current guidance below, then use recent updates for context on what shifted.