Environmental labels can be confusing. Words such as “natural”, “green”, “earth-friendly”, “degradable” and “planet-safe” may sound reassuring, but they do not necessarily explain how a product was made or what happens after it is discarded.
To make an informed choice, Australian consumers should look beyond attractive packaging and check whether environmental claims are specific, supported and independently verified.
What Is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing occurs when environmental claims—or missing information—make a product, service or business appear more environmentally responsible than the evidence supports.
It may involve:
-
Vague environmental language
-
Unsupported sustainability claims
-
Green colours or images of plants and nature
-
Claims that apply to only one part of a product
-
Missing information about disposal
-
Self-created environmental symbols
-
Comparisons without supporting evidence
Not every unclear claim is deliberately misleading. However, the result can be the same: consumers cannot accurately compare products or understand their environmental impact.
Is Greenwashing Illegal in Australia?
Businesses making environmental claims must comply with the Australian Consumer Law.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission states that environmental claims should be truthful, accurate, clear and supported by evidence. A business may mislead consumers through an incorrect statement or by leaving out important qualifying information.
For example, describing a product simply as “compostable” may create the wrong impression if it requires a commercial facility that is not available to the customer.
Consumers and businesses can review the ACCC guidance on environmental and sustainability claims.
Warning Signs of Greenwashing
Vague Language
Words such as “eco”, “green”, “natural” and “environmentally friendly” have little value without an explanation.
Ask:
-
What makes the product environmentally preferable?
-
Which part of the product does the claim cover?
-
Is the claim supported by evidence?
-
Are any important limitations disclosed?
Environmental Imagery Without Evidence
Leaves, trees, earthy colours and recycling symbols can create an environmental impression without proving anything about the product.
Packaging design is not a substitute for recognised certification.
Unsupported Biodegradable Claims
“Biodegradable” means microorganisms can break down a material, but the term alone may not specify:
-
How long the process takes
-
What conditions are required
-
Whether the product was independently tested
-
What remains after decomposition
Look for a recognised standard rather than relying on the word biodegradable alone.
Missing Disposal Instructions
A credible environmental claim should explain what the consumer needs to do after using the product.
If a product requires commercial composting, that information should be clearly stated. If local acceptance varies, the packaging should tell consumers to check with their council or waste provider.
How Can You Verify a Compostable Product?
In Australia, two important compostability standards are:
-
AS 5810: Products tested for well-managed home-composting conditions
-
AS 4736: Products tested for commercial composting conditions
The Australasian Bioplastics Association independently verifies products against these standards and licenses the appropriate certification logos.
Certification provides more meaningful information than a broad environmental slogan because the product must meet defined testing requirements.
However, certification does not guarantee acceptance in every FOGO program or commercial composting facility. Always follow local waste rules.
What Is the Difference Between Degradable and Compostable?
A degradable product may break into smaller pieces through exposure to heat, light or other environmental conditions. This does not automatically mean microorganisms will completely process the material or that it will meet a recognised compostability standard.
A certified compostable product has been assessed against defined requirements for biodegradation, disintegration and environmental safety under particular composting conditions.
Therefore, “degradable” and “certified compostable” should not be treated as equivalent claims.
Look for Specific Product Information
Before choosing an environmentally marketed product, check for:
-
The materials used
-
Recognised standards and certification
-
A licence or certification number
-
Home or commercial composting requirements
-
Clear disposal instructions
-
Product dimensions and capacity
-
Shelf-life and storage information
-
Manufacturer or Australian supplier details
-
Evidence supporting comparative claims
The more specific and verifiable the information, the easier it is to make an informed decision.
Performance Still Matters
An environmentally considered product must still perform its intended job.
A weak bin liner that regularly requires double-bagging may increase material use. Choosing the correct size, thickness and capacity can help reduce unnecessary consumption.
Bonnie Bio products are designed to provide practical performance while offering an alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastic for suitable applications.
The range includes:
-
Food-storage and multipurpose bags
-
Food-service and household alternatives
Always select the product suited to the task and check the disposal requirements in your area.
Ask What Happens After Use
One of the most important questions is not only, “What is this product made from?” It is also:
“What happens after I have finished using it?”
A credible compostable product should clearly explain:
-
Where it can be disposed of
-
Which composting conditions it requires
-
Which certification supports the claim
-
Whether local acceptance needs to be confirmed
Compostable products should not automatically be placed in recycling, FOGO or home compost simply because they carry environmental wording.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does “eco-friendly” prove that a product is sustainable?
No. It is a broad term and should be supported by specific evidence explaining the environmental benefit.
Is every biodegradable product compostable?
No. Compostable products are biodegradable under specified composting conditions, but a biodegradable product is not necessarily certified compostable.
Can certified compostable products go into every green bin?
No. Council and waste-processor requirements vary. Check local rules before disposal.
What logos should Australians look for?
Look for certification administered by the Australasian Bioplastics Association for AS 5810 home compostability or AS 4736 commercial compostability.
Can businesses be penalised for greenwashing?
False or misleading environmental claims may breach the Australian Consumer Law. Businesses should ensure their claims are accurate, evidence-based and appropriately qualified.
Better Information Creates Better Choices
Consumers should not need to rely on packaging colours or environmental buzzwords.
Read beyond the headline, look for recognised certification and check the required disposal method. Choosing products supported by clear evidence rewards genuine environmental progress and makes greenwashing less effective.
Explore Bonnie Bio’s compostable product range and review the certification, specifications and disposal information before selecting the most suitable option for your home or business.
