21 airlines will change their environmental claims after the EU found them to be misleading or exaggerated.
An investigation by the EU Commission and the Network of Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Authorities decided that airlines’ descriptions of carbon offsets and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) gave passengers a false impression that flying was sustainable. Flight emissions ‘calculators’ and vague net-zero emissions targets were also raised as greenwashing practices.
Lufthansa, KLM, and Ryanair are among the airlines who will now revise their claims after reaching an agreement with the EU. The bloc warned that if they did not fall in line with the investigation, sanctions could follow. The 21 airlines must now use the term ‘sustainable aviation fuel’ with appropriate clarifications, and be much clearer with their carbon offsetting claims.
Agustín Reyna, Director General of BEUC, said:
It is excellent news airlines have agreed to stop luring consumers with green promises following our complaint to the European Commission. It was high time airlines stopped painting flying as a sustainable option. Paying ‘green fares’ to plant trees can never guarantee to suck aircraft emissions out of the air.
The EU’s recommendations made clear that sustainability claims and ‘green’ terminology can only be used if backed up by comprehensive targets, strategies, and timelines. Announced on the eve of COP30, the agreement sends a strong message to all airlines, and highlights how much more needs to be done for aviation to make realistic steps towards decarbonisation and overall sustainability.
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