The role of certification systems and audits

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Certification schemes such as ISO 14001, Fair Trade, FSC or EU Ecolabel are an independent confirmation of a company's commitment to sustainability. These certifications are based on strict criteria that companies must meet in order to obtain them. The certification process involves detailed audits that verify that a company's actions match its claims.

Regular environmental audits are an equally important element in building consumer confidence. Independent auditing companies carry out inspections, analysing the environmental iceland phone number data impact of a company's activities. This way, consumers can be sure that a product or service actually complies with environmental standards.

Greenwashing has serious consequences that can negatively impact a company's operations in the short and long term. These consequences range from poor consumer relations to legal issues and financial losses. Consumer trust is one of the most important assets of any company. When a brand is found to be practising greenwashing, customers can feel deceived, which often leads them to not buy their products or services.

Studies show that over 60% of consumers avoid brands that have been caught misrepresenting environmental issues. This type of damage is difficult to repair, as consumers are increasingly aware of and critical of false claims. Rebuilding trust takes years and in many cases is impossible.