Unraveling Green Marketing and Greenwashing: A Systematic Review in the Context of the Fashion and Textiles Industry

Unraveling Green Marketing and Greenwashing: A Systematic Review in the Context of the Fashion and Textiles Industry

2024 | Aayushi Badhwar, Saniyat Islam, Caroline Swee Lin Tan, Tarun Panwar, Stephen Wigley, Rajkishore Nayak
This systematic review examines the prevalence and impact of greenwashing in the fashion and textile (F&T) industry, a sector known for its significant environmental impact. The review employs the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to analyze relevant studies from the past decade. Key findings include: 1. **Greenwashing Practices**: Companies often promote a green image without making substantial environmental or social changes, leading to consumer confusion and disappointment. 2. **Consumer Misinterpretation**: Consumers frequently misinterpret green-related terms, such as "eco-friendly" and "sustainable," due to vague or misleading marketing messages. 3. **Supply Chain Implications**: Greenwashing can occur at multiple stages of the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to manufacturing, distribution, and marketing, undermining genuine sustainability efforts. 4. **Legislation and Policies**: Various regulatory bodies, including the European Commission, UK's Green Claims Code, and the US Federal Trade Commission, have implemented measures to combat greenwashing and false environmental claims. These regulations aim to enhance transparency and accountability in sustainability claims. 5. **Consumer Intentions vs. Actions**: Despite growing consumer awareness and willingness to support sustainable practices, there is a significant gap between consumer intentions and actual purchasing behavior due to concerns about greenwashing. The review emphasizes the need for stricter regulations, increased transparency, and consumer education to combat greenwashing and promote genuine sustainability in the F&T industry. Recommendations include establishing stringent penalties for non-compliance, enhancing supply chain transparency, and educating consumers to recognize and avoid deceptive green marketing practices.This systematic review examines the prevalence and impact of greenwashing in the fashion and textile (F&T) industry, a sector known for its significant environmental impact. The review employs the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to analyze relevant studies from the past decade. Key findings include: 1. **Greenwashing Practices**: Companies often promote a green image without making substantial environmental or social changes, leading to consumer confusion and disappointment. 2. **Consumer Misinterpretation**: Consumers frequently misinterpret green-related terms, such as "eco-friendly" and "sustainable," due to vague or misleading marketing messages. 3. **Supply Chain Implications**: Greenwashing can occur at multiple stages of the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to manufacturing, distribution, and marketing, undermining genuine sustainability efforts. 4. **Legislation and Policies**: Various regulatory bodies, including the European Commission, UK's Green Claims Code, and the US Federal Trade Commission, have implemented measures to combat greenwashing and false environmental claims. These regulations aim to enhance transparency and accountability in sustainability claims. 5. **Consumer Intentions vs. Actions**: Despite growing consumer awareness and willingness to support sustainable practices, there is a significant gap between consumer intentions and actual purchasing behavior due to concerns about greenwashing. The review emphasizes the need for stricter regulations, increased transparency, and consumer education to combat greenwashing and promote genuine sustainability in the F&T industry. Recommendations include establishing stringent penalties for non-compliance, enhancing supply chain transparency, and educating consumers to recognize and avoid deceptive green marketing practices.
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[slides and audio] Unraveling Green Marketing and Greenwashing%3A A Systematic Review in the Context of the Fashion and Textiles Industry