Aviation industry under spotlight for greenwashing: ICPEN launches campaign for truthful environmental claims

by Jones Gadama

In a bid to promote transparency and accountability in the aviation sector, the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) has launched a campaign to ensure airlines’ environmental claims are truthful, clear, and evidence-based.

This initiative, supported by over 70 consumer protection authorities, including the COMESA Competition Commission (CCC), aims to empower consumers to make informed decisions based on reliable information.

The campaign comes as the aviation sector faces growing scrutiny over its environmental impact, accounting for approximately 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions attributed to human activity, alongside additional non-CO₂ effects contributing to climate change. ICPEN emphasizes the importance of complying with consumer protection laws, advocating for airlines to review and adjust their marketing strategies to reflect accurate environmental sustainability claims.

ICPEN’s efforts aim to strengthen consumer protection through information sharing, coordinated enforcement actions, and promoting best practices among its member states, including Malawi. This campaign represents a significant step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in the aviation industry’s environmental marketing practices.¹