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Some products from a company Consumer NZ accused of greenwashing have landed a rubbish bag giant in trouble across the Tasman. Photo / 24K Production, File

Explained: What penalties can NZ companies face for greenwashing?

Author: Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2025, 4:04pm

Concerns have been raised over the punishments NZ-based companies could face for greenwashing - and whether or not it's a suitable deterrent.

An Australian court has ordered Glad owner Clorox Australia to pay A$8.25 million ($8.87m) for false or misleading representations about bags partly made of recycled 'ocean plastic'.

Consumer NZ Investigative Team Lead Rebecca Styles joined the Afternoons team to explain how greenwashing violates the Fair Trading Act - and the disciplinary action Kiwi companies could face for rule-breaking.

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