In October 2012, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission released new
Green Guides. The new Green Guides modify and
clarify sections of the previous guides, including for degradable,
compostable, ozone, recyclable, recycled content, and source
reduction claims. They also provide new guidance on environmental
claims that were not common when the first guides were issued,
including certifications and seals of approval, carbon-offsets, and
free-of, non-toxic and renewable energy and material claims.
The Canadian Green Guides (more formally called "Environmental Claims: A Guide for Industry
and Advertisers") have been in force since June 2008.
Since the U.S. Green Guides address a number of claims not
specifically addressed in the Canadian guides, a regulator may take
cues from the U.S. guides when enforcing claims in Canada.
