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Bill C-59: What You Need to Know About Greenwashing

Important amendments to the Competition Act became law on June 20, 2024. With the introduction of Bill C-59, the Canadian government is cracking down on greenwashing, making it essential for businesses and professionals to reassess environmental claims about products.

Key Changes with Bill C-59

Effective June 20, 2024, Bill C-59 brings significant amendments to the Competition Act, focusing on misleading environmental benefit claims. The onus is now on businesses to prove that their environmental claims, such as those related to sustainability, carbon reduction, and energy efficiency, are backed by adequate and proper testing.

What This Means for the Food Industry

  • Environmental Claims: If you’re promoting environmentally friendly practices like sustainable sourcing or waste reduction, you’ll need proper documentation and testing to substantiate your claims.
  • Legal Risks: Starting in 2025, private parties (including environmental activists) can directly challenge misleading environmental claims. This increases potential legal exposure and reputational risks for businesses making unverified claims.

Practical Steps

  • Review all marketing materials related to environmental benefits.
  • Ensure that any environmental claims align with internationally recognized methodologies and can withstand scrutiny.

Bill C-59 signals a major shift in how environmental claims are regulated. Food industry professionals should act now to avoid greenwashing pitfalls and ensure compliance with these new provisions.

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Acknowledgement:

  • AI systems (ChatGPT) was used for editing and grammar enhancement.

Written by: Lucia Weiler, BSc, RD, PHEc – Award-winning dietitian and Owner, n4nn

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