Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency has released the results of a survey showing that many eco-labels on products and services in the country lack clear explanatory content, with some cases even creating the misleading impression that a product has been certified by an independent organization.
According to the survey results, dozens of eco-labels printed on product packaging or used in service advertising come without sufficiently clear information about the criteria, scope, or basis for evaluation. This makes it difficult for consumers to determine which are genuine environmental commitments and which are merely marketing exercises.
Notably, some labels are presented in a way that suggests a product has undergone a third-party certification process, when in fact no such independent verification exists. This presentation can lead to misunderstandings among buyers, who often rely on eco-labels to make environmentally responsible purchasing decisions.
The survey was conducted against the backdrop of the growing popularity of products marketed as environmentally friendly in Japan and globally. Japanese consumer authorities regard this as an issue requiring close monitoring to protect buyers' interests and maintain market transparency.
The survey results did not detail the identities of the products or companies involved, but they point to the need to review and clarify standards for the eco-labels currently in circulation.
