Nestlé Poland is under legal scrutiny following a lawsuit filed by environmental organisation ClientEarth.
The case, lodged on 17 September 2025 with the Regional Court in Warsaw, accuses the company of misleading consumers through sustainability claims on its Nałęczowianka bottled water packaging.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
ClientEarth contends that slogans such as “I am 100% made of recycled PET plastic” (excluding the cap and label), “I am made from another bottle,” and “I am recyclable” create a false impression about the environmental impact of single-use plastic.
Misleading recycling claims spark legal challenge
ClientEarth argues that the aforementioned slogans mislead consumers into believing that Nałęczowianka bottles are fully recyclable and environmentally friendly.
The organisation seeks a court order to prevent Nestlé Poland from using these claims, alleging violations of consumer protection laws.
Despite prior negotiations, the parties failed to reach an agreement, prompting the legal action.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataGlobal context: plastic recycling rates and environmental concerns
The lawsuit highlights broader concerns about plastic waste and recycling efficacy.
Globally, approximately 460 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with about two-thirds designated for single-use purposes.
However, only an estimated 9% of plastic is recycled. In Poland, data from the Institute of Environmental Protection indicates that only 40.7% of plastic waste intended for recycling is actually processed, with the remainder incinerated, landfilled, or entering the environment.
Implications for packaging industry practices
This legal case underscores the importance of transparency in environmental claims on packaging.
The outcome may influence how companies communicate sustainability efforts and could lead to stricter regulations regarding environmental marketing.
As consumer awareness of environmental issues grows, businesses may face increased scrutiny over their packaging practices and claims.
The Nestlé Poland lawsuit serves as a critical reminder for the packaging industry to ensure that sustainability claims are accurate and substantiated, aligning with consumer expectations and legal standards.
