Mar 10 - FTC Removes Biodegradable Diaper Company's Unverifiable Claims

As more Americans become environmentally conscious, more companies are adapting to meet this changing demand. Unfortunately, in some cases, companies are less than truthful to customers about the environmental benefits of their products. Earlier this year, Down to Earth Designs, Inc had to settle charges with the Federal Trade Commission about the validity of their claims regarding the gDiapers diaper system.

According to the FTC, the gDiaper diaper system was advertised as biodegradable and compostable. The company also advertised that the diaper system was plastic free. The FTC filed a complaint that the diapers are not 100% biodegradable but only partially degradable, and that there was not enough evidence to substantiate the company’s claims. The diapers also had limited compostability, but the limitations were not made clear to consumers. The FTC also noted that the diaper system was not plastic free, as part of the diaper had plastic in it.

The FTC is prohibiting the company from selling its product with claims that they are compostable and biodegradable unless the claims are true with proper evidence, as well as prohibiting it from making claims that products are "Free of…" unless the claim is true and backed up with evidence. In the future, Down to Earth Designs must now ensure that their environmental claims are in fact verifiable. Read the consent order.

Click here for more information about how to shop "green".

Learn more about CAW's enforcement campaign against similar false claims.