Katie Bond Quoted in Trellis Article on Legal Challenges Around Sustainability Marketing

Keller and Heckman Partner Katie Bond was quoted in the Trellis article, “Adidas greenwashing judgment offers warnings about climate claims.” Using a recent Adidas case as a key example, the article encourages companies to avoid vague terminology when making sustainability-related claims.

“The same types of cases as the Adidas case are happening in the United States. There are, for instance, several prominent cases on so-called ‘aspirational’ claims, and there are lots of cases on carbon-related claims,” said Katie. She added that companies can reduce risk by explaining exactly what they mean by “carbon neutral” or “carbon negative.”

The article also points to other fashion brands having greenwashing challenges in recent years. “In H&M in particular, it seemed to make a difference that the company labeled its clothing ‘more sustainable’ and explained why, versus claiming that its clothing is across-the-board ‘sustainable,’” explained Katie. “I think compliance lawyers like me have been saying for a long time to be wary of ‘big’ claims like ‘sustainable’ and ‘eco-friendly.’”

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