What does greenwashing refer to?

Greenwashing refers to the practice where companies promote their products or initiatives as being environmentally friendly while misleading the public about the company's actual environmental practices. This often involves exaggerating or fabricating the eco-friendliness of a product or corporate initiative to enhance the company's public image, appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, or avoid scrutiny.

In this context, it is essential to understand that greenwashing misrepresents the company's commitment to sustainability by creating false impressions of environmental responsibility. The focus is on the deceptive marketing and communication strategies that suggest a greater commitment to environmental stewardship than what truly exists within the organization's operations. This is distinct from honest corporate social responsibility or authentic environmental improvements, which aim to genuinely enhance sustainability and transparency without misleading consumers.