Court stops Shell's misleading advertising on CO2 neutrality

Shell's CO2 neutrality promise stopped in court

Berlin (ots)

The Hamburg Regional Court in a pioneering judgment has classified Shell Germany's advertising for CO2-neutral car driving and engine oil as misleading. This decision is based on a lawsuit by German Environmental Aid (DUH), which denounces the misleading environmental promises of the mineral oil company.

renewed warning to companies

Jürgen Resch, the federal manager of the DUH, said after the judgment and emphasized the importance of the decision for climate protection. He announced a tough approach to companies that market their products as climate -neutral through unsuitable promise of compensation. "Shell is responsible for the emission of millions of tons of CO2 with its dirty business model," says Resch.

consumer protection in focus

Agnes Sauter, head of ecological consumer advice at DUH, made it clear that consumers have the right to receive information about the environmental advantages of products in the advertising. "This is the only way to make sound decisions," she said. The DUH therefore calls for honest communication of the environmental and climate effects of products by industry.

The background of the lawsuit

The lawsuit was submitted in May 2022 after the Duh Shell had asked to end the misleading advertising. However, Shell refused to submit an injunction, which led to the lawsuit (AZ: 315 O 108/22). The argument that CO2 emissions are compensated for by buying emission credits from forest protection projects in Peru and Indonesia was criticized by the DUH as inadequate.

larger trends in climate protection

This decision throws a light on a broader problem of greenwashing in industry. Manufacturers and companies that act with false or misleading environmental promises are increasingly in the focus of consumer protection associations and the public. The DUH sees a strong indication that such practices are not tolerated.

conclusion

The judgment against Shell Germany could strengthen awareness of the need for transparency and honesty in advertising. Especially in times of climate change, it is crucial that consumers can make real decisions for sustainable products. The DUH has made it clear that it will continue to stand up for transparency and against Greenwashing.