The Federal Trade Commission is reviewing its guidelines on recyclable labeling amid concerns that companies are misleading consumers about how easily plastic products can be recycled.
Patrick Parenteau reports for The Conversation.
In short:
- Keurig Dr Pepper was fined $1.5 million for falsely claiming its K-Cups were recyclable.
- The FTC’s “Green Guides” offer advice on environmental marketing claims but are currently being revised for stricter standards.
- Environmental groups want more stringent rules, including raising the threshold for recyclability claims.
Key quote:
Products and packaging "should not be considered recyclable without strong end markets in which they can reliably be sold."
— U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Why this matters:
Many plastic products labeled as recyclable still end up in landfills, contributing to environmental damage. Stricter regulations could prevent deceptive claims, helping consumers make more informed choices about plastic waste.
Learn more: What is chemical recycling?
