Ending Coke's Greenwashing

Image by Emilian Robert Vicol

Overview

Earth Island Institute filed a lawsuit against the Coca-Cola Company, the American multinational beverage corporation, for its false and deceptive portrayal as a sustainable and environmentally friendly company while in reality generating more plastic pollution than any other company in the world. Earth Island Institute filed the case in the District of Columbia Superior Court, alleging that Coca-Cola is in violation of the District of Columbia’s Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA). The CPPA is a consumer protection law that prohibits a wide variety of deceptive and unconscionable business practices. The statute specifically provides that a public-interest organization, like Earth Island, may bring an action on behalf of consumers and the general public for relief from the unlawful conduct directed at consumers. If successful, this lawsuit will prevent Coca-Cola from falsely advertising its business as sustainable, among other things.

Significant Developments

August 28, 2024: Case update

District of Columbia Court of Appeals reverses and remands case back to lower court to proceed on the merits

March 21, 2023: Case update

The District of Colombia Solicitor General files an amicus brief in support of Earth Island's CPPA claim against Coca-Cola

March 16, 2023: In the News - Law360

Enviro Group Wants Coca-Cola 'Greenwashing' Suit Revived

March 14, 2023: Case Update

Earth Island Institute files an appeal following a motion to dismiss in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.

March 24, 2022: Case Update

Federal District Court grants Earth Island's motion to remand case back to D.C. Superior Court.

June 25, 2021: In the News - San Francisco Chronicle

Bay Area group sues Coca-Cola over plastic pollution 'greenwashing'

June 8, 2021: Press Release

Environmental Group Files Lawsuit Against Coca-Cola for False Advertising

June 8, 2021: Case Update

Complaint filed in the District of Columbia Superior Court against Coca-Cola alleging claims under DC's Consumer Protection Procedures Act.

Project

Plastic Pollution Coalition

Legal Team

Richman Law & Policy

Focus Area

Pollution and Toxics