UK: CMA launches greenwashing investigation into boiler manufacturer
October 2023
The Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) has announced it is investigating a boiler manufacturer in relation to claims made about “hydrogen-blend ready” boilers.
The CMA’s press release stated it will be looking at company’s marketing practices with a focus on:
- claims that their boilers run on a blend of hydrogen and natural gas, which suggests this is a special feature of the boilers when, in fact, it is a requirement under UK law;
- information and messaging on the use of hydrogen for heating homes; and
- information they are providing about being “hydrogen-blend ready” which may falsely suggest a reduction in a household’s carbon footprint.
The investigation represents a wider effort from the CMA to look at consumer protection issues in the green heating and insulation sectors. The CMA has also written to 12 other businesses selling “hydrogen-blend” boilers to warn them of potential breaches to consumer protection law.
It is therefore wise for advertisers to think carefully about any green claims made that could constitute greenwashing, and to ensure any such claims are backed up by substantial evidence, of which proper records should be kept. Advertisers should monitor CMA investigations and decisions in this space to avoid falling foul of the regulations themselves.
The CMA’s press release can be read in full here and further detail in our article here.
For more information on sustainability claims and greenwashing in UK please see here.
