Brussels, April 15, 2024 – WhizzBang, the European network dedicated to consumer and data protection for expatriates, applauds the recent actions taken by European consumer authorities, including the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), to address misleading sustainability claims by online retailer Zalando. Effective today, Zalando has committed to removing ambiguous sustainability indicators from its platform, ensuring consumers receive clear and specific information about the environmental benefits of products. 

Zalando previously utilized general terms like ‘sustainability’ and visual icons such as leaves to suggest environmental benefits, which could mislead consumers seeking genuinely eco-friendly products. In response to coordinated enforcement by European authorities, Zalando has agreed to:

• Eliminate vague sustainability labels and icons from its website.
• Provide detailed information on specific environmental benefits, such as the percentage of recycled materials in products.
• Revise search filters to allow consumers to select products based on precise characteristics rather than broad sustainability claims.
• Replace general sustainability pages with detailed information about product standards and Zalando’s environmental strategies.

Expatriates in the Netherlands and across Europe often rely heavily on online platforms for their shopping needs. Misleading sustainability claims can lead to confusion and undermine trust, particularly among consumers who may be less familiar with local regulations and certifications. Ensuring transparency in product information empowers expatriates to make informed purchasing decisions that align with their values and expectations.

“The enforcement of accurate sustainability claims is a significant step toward protecting consumers from greenwashing,” stated Natália Oráviková, board member of WhizzBang Meuse-Rhein. “Expatriates, who may face challenges in navigating new marketplaces, benefit greatly from clear and truthful product information. We commend the Dutch authorities and their European counterparts for their vigilance in upholding consumer rights.”

WhizzBang encourages all online retailers to adhere to transparent and verifiable sustainability claims, fostering a fair and trustworthy digital marketplace for consumers across the European Union.