FTC Biodegradable Claim Smackdown Continues

The Federal Trade Commission has sent letters warning 15 marketers of “oxodegradable” plastic waste bags that their eco-claims may be deceptive.

The FTC hasn’t released the names of the 15 companies.

Most waste bags are intended to be deposited in landfills, where not enough oxygen likely exists for oxodegradable bags to completely degrade in the time consumers expect.

According to the FTC, despite the marketing claims, these bags may be no more biodegradable than ordinary plastic waste bags when used as intended.

The move follows other recent crackdowns on companies’ biodegradability claims. Earlier this year the FTC said baby products company gDiapers made false or misleading claims about how its diapers and wipes decompose.

Late last year, the FTC took action against six companies — ECM Biofilms, American Plastic Manufacturing, Champ, Clear Choice Housewares, Carnie Cap and AJM Packaging — for making false environmental marketing claims. Of the six, one imposed a $450,000 civil penalty and five for the first time addressed deceptive biodegradable plastic claims.

Photo Credit: plastic bags via Shutterstock