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Claims of ocean plastic,
Truth found in coastal resin,
Green marketing's test.
Moo's 'ocean plastic' claims in breach of consumer law following ACCC investigation
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from yoghurt manufacturer MOO Premium Foods (MOO) after an investigation into the company's '100% ocean plastic' claims found the claims likely breached consumer law.
The ACCC's probe centred on MOO's assertions that its yoghurt tubs were made from '100% ocean plastic', a claim featured prominently on its packaging, website, and social media pages. The regulatory watchdog raised concerns that MOO's claims could mislead consumers into believing the tubs were made from plastic waste collected directly from the ocean, which was not the case.
MOO has now admitted in the undertaking to the ACCC that the '100% ocean plastic' representations likely contravened the Australian Consumer Law, which prohibits false or misleading representations.
"Our investigation revealed the plastic resin used in the manufacture of MOO's yoghurt packaging was collected from coastal areas in Malaysia, and not directly from the ocean," ACCC Commissioner Liza Carver said.
In response to the ACCC's findings, MOO has undertaken to remove the 'ocean plastic' representations from its yoghurt packaging, social media platforms, and website. The company has also committed to publishing corrective notices on its website and social media platforms.
In the court-enforceable undertaking provided to the ACCC, MOO has also committed to conducting internal audits of the 'ocean bound plastic' resin used in their packaging, as well as implementing an Australian Consumer Law compliance program.
"Businesses must ensure any environmental claims made are accurate and truthful, and this includes taking reasonable steps to verify supporting information provided to businesses by suppliers,"Carver said.
MOO manufactures and supplies yoghurt products which are sold in supermarkets and convenience stores to consumers in Australia. The company's misleading claims serve as a stark reminder to businesses of the importance of authentic green marketing and the potential legal repercussions of misleading environmental claims.
