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Prepare Now and Stay Ahead of the Curve
Understand the Regulations that Apply to You
While deciphering regulations might seem tedious to most, we at Softly thrive on it. We specialize in the Green Guides and are here to help you identify which rules apply specifically to your business. We break down complex information into easy-to-digest insights so you can safeguard your business from non-compliance, litigation, and reputational risks.
Changes Are Coming… Are You Ready?
The Green Guides haven’t seen an update since 2012. With a public comment period concluding in 2023, we expect the revised guides to drop any day now. When they do, Softly will be on top of it, providing you with everything you need to stay compliant and mitigate risk.
The Risk Is Real
Class action lawsuits related to green claims have skyrocketed—up 300% in the past year alone —and businesses are already facing billions in fines and legal fees. New regulations historically bring increased enforcement. We anticipate the FTC will ramp up scrutiny on greenwashing once the new guidelines are published. Now is the time to ensure your business is fully prepared.
How to Reduce Your Risk
What companies think their green claims mean and what consumers understand can differ significantly. This is why it’s crucial to grasp not only the regulations but also the case law surrounding specific claims. Softly consolidates all this information for you—regulations, case law, third-party validations, and competitive benchmarking—so you can make sustainability claims with confidence, protect your business, and secure a strategic market advantage.
★★★★★
"Softly saved us hours of research and analysis! All sustainability focused businesses should lean on their expertise!"
- Barry Cik, CEO and Technical Director, Naturepedic
★★★★★
“Softly is an expert in risk reduction and sustainability solutions. Their collaborative approach surpassed all expectations.”
- Roi L. Ewell – Principal, Ewell Associates
★★★★★
“Keeping up with regulations and terminology in our industry as it relates to sustainability can be tough, but Softly makes it easier. They research and break down relevant rules and case precedents, helping us evaluate how we are marketing our products, now and in the future."
- Andrew Martin, Technical Manager, U.S. Lubricants
The Softly Advantage
Find the Blind Spots
Identify and Reduce Risk
Uncover Market Gaps
Navigate New Regulations
Blog
Green Imagery – Is it Worth the Risk?
Around the world, companies have been criticized for greenwashing by using deceptive green imagery and vague language on their labels. US consumers are filing class action lawsuits against this practice in rising numbers. Class action lawsuits have risen over 300% in the past six months alone.
What is Greenhushing?
As a business, staying quiet is not the answer; consumers want transparency! Greenwashing has made increasingly environmentally conscious consumers wary of buying products marketed as eco-friendly. Companies want to promote the sustainability of their products but are worried about being perceived as greenwashing. This crossroads has led to greenhushing—the practice under-communicating sustainability practices.
Red, White and RISK: How to Safely Claim your Product is Made in the USA
Most consumers want to buy American-made products and are willing to pay a higher price. Companies have started to follow this patriotic marketing trend, but it has led to fraudulent claims. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has strict rules regarding Made in the USA labels and enforces these rules to ensure fair competition in the marketplace. The FTC’s labeling rules provide important protections for small businesses, helping them to safeguard their products and services from imitators.