The marketing of ‘sustainability’ attributes and claims, and the legal risks

Recent research shows that Australian consumers are willing to accept a higher price for the cost of food or its inputs and packaging being more sustainable. However, because the word “sustainability” can refer to various aspects of the food supply chain, many food businesses are marketing sustainability without using the word “sustainable” at all. This article explores the legal risks in marketing sustainability and the various legal risks and opportunities which exist in the context of food products and environmental claims.