"Carbon Neutral via offset credits"

L'Oréal's per-product 'Carbon Neutral' packaging claims faced scrutiny in 2025 after audits revealed neutrality was achieved through purchased offset credits rather than emissions reduction. The EU Greenwashing Directive specifically prohibits claiming neutral, reduced, or positive environmental impact based on offset schemes unless additionality is verified. Unilever quietly weakened its virgin-plastic target from 50% reduction by 2025 to 30% by 2026 while keeping sustainability-forward consumer messaging.