This international initiative aims to prevent so-called “greenwashing” and ensure that airline communications are truthful, clear, and accurate, backed by solid scientific evidence.

The Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda, led by Pablo Bustinduy, has signed a joint letter addressed to the airline industry to combat greenwashing—deceptive practices by which some companies present themselves as more environmentally friendly than they truly are. This initiative, coordinated through the Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs, includes participation from 35 countries and their respective consumer protection authorities.

The letter calls on airlines to be rigorous in their environmental claims used in commercial communications, reinforcing compliance with consumer protection legislation.

This joint action is promoted by the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN), a global network of more than 70 consumer protection authorities. Spain participates through its Consumer Affairs administration. In this specific initiative, 16 consumer protection authorities have joined forces, including European countries such as Belgium, Denmark, and Norway; Latin American countries like Colombia, Chile, and Peru; and members of the COMESA customs union in East and Southern Africa, including Kenya, Angola, and Ethiopia.

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Spain’s Consumer Affairs Ministry Joins Authorities from 35 Countries to Tackle Airline “Greenwashing”

Recommendations for Airlines

In the letter, international consumer authorities remind airlines not to mislead customers on environmental matters and offer a series of recommendations to ensure that all environmental claims comply with consumer protection standards. Key recommendations include:

• Communications must be truthful, clear, and accurate, and supported by reliable, scientifically robust evidence.
• Avoid vague terms such as “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” that may mislead about the real environmental impact.
• Do not exaggerate the environmental benefits of minor changes.
• Clearly explain the impact, uncertainties, and limitations of carbon offsetting systems.
• Avoid promoting uncertain future goals like “climate neutrality” unless referring to specific, ongoing measures and making that clear.
• Communications about Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) must be clear, precise, and not misleading. While SAF is viewed by the aviation industry as a key tool for reducing net carbon emissions, further context is needed to clarify its actual impact.

This action, carried out under the ICPEN framework, is part of the Spanish government’s commitment to ensuring truthful and transparent information for consumers, particularly important in strategic sectors like air transport, where consumer choices have a significant economic and environmental impact.