Canada Environmental Claims, Greenwashing and the Canadian Competition Act

As a Canadian business, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest developments in environmental regulations to maintain compliance and uphold your brand's integrity. Recent amendments to Canada's Competition Act, effective June 20, 2024, target the prevention of greenwashing — where businesses make unsubstantiated claims about the environmental benefits of their products or services.

These changes mandate that environmental claims be supported by third-party testing or internationally recognized methodologies. This initiative reflects the growing concerns among Canadians regarding environmental sustainability and the demand for genuine, verifiable environmentally green products.

Demonstrate compliance with environmental claim validation of products

Navigating these regulatory changes can be challenging. UL Solutions’ Environmental Claim Validation (ECV) program provides third-party validation of environmental claims related to your products, including: recycled content, bio-based content, bio-degradibility and compostability. Through rigorous scientific analysis and review outlined in globally accepted standards, we can help you substantiate environmental claims of your products and demonstrate they meet the requirements of the amended Canadian Competition Act. This not only aids in regulatory compliance but can also enhance consumer trust in your brand's commitment to genuine environmental stewardship.

Evaluate environmental products with ECOLOGO^®Certification

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For a more comprehensive approach to showcasing your environmental commitment, consider our ECOLOGO^® Certification. This multi-attribute, life cycle-based certification indicates that a product has been evaluated based on the impact of environmental and health requirements, proving its compliance with a listed criteria of sustainability standards. An ECOLOGO^® Certification demonstrates your product's overall sustainability, aligning with Canadian consumers' expectations and the new regulatory landscape of Canada’s Competition Act.

Disclose environmental impact with environmental product declarations

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Transparency is key in building consumer trust. UL Solutions environmental product declaration (EPD) certification provides a standardized way to communicate the environmental impacts of your products throughout their life cycle. By obtaining an EPD, you offer a clear, third-party verified report detailing your product's environmental footprint, which can help Canadian consumers make informed decisions while helping you reinforce your brand's credibility in the market and avoid greenwashing.

Enhance indoor air quality with UL GREENGUARD Certification

Indoor air quality is a significant concern for many consumers. Our UL GREENGUARD Certification helps demonstrate compliance with chemical emission standards and your commitment to healthier indoor environments. By achieving this certification, you showcase your dedication to producing low-emitting products, contributing to better indoor air quality, and aligning with the health and environmental priorities of Canadian consumers.

Take action against greenwashing and comply with environmental claims

By leveraging these opportunities, your company can confidently navigate the evolving regulatory environment in Canada, including the Canadian Competition Act provisions related to environmental claims and greenwashing — showcasing your compliance while authentically demonstrating your commitment to environmental sustainability. This proactive approach not only helps mitigate the risk of noncompliance but also strengthens your brand's reputation among Canadian consumers who value genuine environmental responsibility.