U.K.’s CMA to Review Fashion Retail Sector in Greenwashing Probe

(Bloomberg) -- The U.K.’s competition watchdog will review potentially misleading environmental boasts made by the fashion retail sector, as part of its investigation into greenwashing.

The Competition and Markets Authority said it will look into several common green claims across the British fashion sector including around recycled materials and ranges of clothing being branded as sustainable, it said on its website Friday. 

The agency said it will take appropriate action for businesses it finds to be greenwashing. The fashion sector was targeted first because the CMA found it to be the biggest cause for concern after initial research. Other sectors including travel and consumer goods will be investigated, with the possibility of more action to come.

U.K.’s CMA ‘Puts Businesses on Notice’ Over Greenwashing

“People are becoming increasingly aware of the negative impact that fashion can have on our planet,” Cecilia Parker Aranha, the CMA’s director of consumer protection, said. “Now is the time for the fashion industry to take a fresh look at what they’re telling customers and make any changes needed to comply with the law.”

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