Greenwashing in Companies Activity ‒ Causes of Use and Efficacy
Greenwashing in Companies Activity ‒ Causes of Use and Efficacy

Summary/Abstract: The image of a company and its offer stems from characteristics which are highlighted in promotion, as well as from everything that a potential recipient of information is able to find in the market. Building the image of ecologically sensitive and responsible business may affect not only its perception, but also purchase decisions of customers. It seems, however, that in recent years statements and symbols relating to ecology, nature, and sustainable development are excessively exploited. Manifestation of this trend is greenwashing, defined as an apparent care for the environment by suggesting that the product is environmentally friendly (or natural), or a company is ecologically sensitive, which is not entirely true. But through such activities an image of a socially responsible business may be built. A purpose of this article is to show the essence of greenwashing and to verify the thesis that greenwashing affects purchasing decisions of customers only in some situations. It was found that greenwashing means information that is partly false, irrelevant, incomprehensible, or omits important issues. So, it could be stated that a manufacturer deceives potential customers. Results of research show, however, that consumers are guided not only by information about environmental characteristics of products, but also by a good brand and aesthetics. Thus, the thesis has been verified positively. This article is under a case study and research categories, because it discusses a case of greenwashing and shows original results of the test.

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