Wettbewerbszentrale 2026: The 5 Most Frequent Greenwashing Cases

The Wettbewerbszentrale (German Centre for Protection against Unfair Competition) is, alongside the DUH, one of the best-known actors against greenwashing in Germany. It takes action against misleading environmental advertising. The following are typical constellations relevant in connection with environmental claims.

Constellation 1: “Climate neutral” through pure carbon offsetting. What matters is whether the claim is backed by actual emission reductions or relies solely on offsetting. Often in focus: food, delivery services, energy companies.

Constellation 2: “Recyclable” without an actual recycling rate. What matters is whether the packaging is recycled in practice or only theoretically recyclable. Often in focus: packaging manufacturers, online shops with own brands.

Constellation 3: “From regional production” for mixed products. What matters is whether the origin claim refers to the whole product or only individual components. Often in focus: food discounters, drugstore own brands.

Constellation 4: “Vegan” as an implicit sustainability claim. What matters is whether an unsubstantiated statement about the carbon footprint is derived from “vegan”.

Constellation 5: Own “eco-labels” without external certification. What matters is whether a label was awarded by an independent body. The per-se prohibition of generic environmental claims from 27 September 2026 also concerns such constellations.

In general: The Wettbewerbszentrale can issue warnings against misleading environmental advertising and, where appropriate, pursue its objection through the courts.