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The Top Environmental Misrepresentation Lawsuits of 2025

Written by Joseph Lyon on . Posted in Class Action.

Environmental misrepresentation lawsuits have been multiplying in 2025, and in several complaints plaintiffs have exposed corporations for false and deceptive “eco-friendly” claims. This type of litigation challenges corporate marketing rhetoric that many consumers consider misleading.

At The Lyon Firm, our deceptive marketing attorneys are investigating numerous false advertising claims, and helping clients seek justice and compensation. Contact our legal team to learn more about greenwashing lawsuits and recent settlements. We represent clients nationwide and offer free case reviews.

What is Environmental Misrepresentation?

The term “environmental misrepresentation” refers to the act of a corporation, organization, or individual making false, misleading, or exaggerated claims about the environmental benefits, sustainability, or ecological impact of their products, services, or business practices.

This all-too-common deceptive marketing practice, often overlapping with the broader concept of greenwashing, typically highlights an environmentally friendly image of a company to consumers without properly substantiating those claims with credible evidence or adhering to verifiable environmental standards. Several related lawsuits have been filed, noting “deliberate deception,” as regulatory bodies and consumers demand greater transparency amid growing pollution and environmental concerns.

Leading Environmental Misrepresentation Lawsuits

In 2025, new overseas regulations like the EU Green Claims Directive and increasing consumer awareness stateside have fueled recent litigation. Though not always the case, EU environmental statutes are commonly seen as a harbinger of things to come in the U.S. Some recent environmental misrepresentation lawsuits include the following:

  1. Apple Inc. Greenwashing Class Action: Filed on February 26, 2025, in the Central District of California, this complaint accuses Apple of misrepresenting its carbon-neutral status. Plaintiffs allege the company’s supply chain emissions contradict its eco-claims.
  2. Lululemon Athletica “Be Planet” Lawsuit: Plaintiffs claim Lululemon’s “Be Planet” campaign, which touts significant carbon reduction, fails to provide any real evidence of an objective, positive environmental impact.
  3. ExxonMobil Plastic Pollution Lawsuit: California filed a lawsuit against ExxonMobil for allegedly downplaying plastic pollution’s environmental impact and accuse the company of greenwashing the public.
  4. Sugar Industry Greenwashing: Another case filed in California claims the sugar companies, Florida Crystals and the Fanjul Corporation, mislead consumers with “sustainable” labels. The lawsuit claims the companies falsely marketed their products as environmentally friendly, due to pre-harvest sugarcane burning practices that contribute to air pollution.

The Legal Process for Greenwashing Litigation

Filing an environmental misrepresentation lawsuit involves the following:

  • Gathering Evidence: Collecting ads, promotions and marketing materials, company product data, and consumer expert testimony to prove misrepresentation. Save ads, receipts, and product labels that can contribute to your case.
  • Filing Complaints by Deadlines: Deadlines vary by jurisdiction, but they require prompt action. California has a four-year statute for filing consumer fraud cases.
  • Class Actions: Class actions can pool resources and attract more prominent attorneys, putting pressure on companies to settle a particular case.

Proving economic harm is the key to winning these cases. The argument needs to put an exact value on the damages. Our attorneys believe that greenwashing violations almost always involve companies overvaluing a product under the pretense that the product is more environmentally sustainable. Consumers are willing to pay more for an eco-friendly product, and so companies may take advantage of that behavior.

FAQs About Environmental Misrepresentation Litigation

  1. How Long Do I Have to File a Deceptive Marketing Lawsuit? California’s deadline is four years for consumer fraud, and two years for breach of warranty. Contact an experienced lawyer near you to confirm your jurisdiction’s statute.
  2. Are there laws Preventing Environmental Misrepresentation? The FTC enforces proper business practices with their Green Guides, but companies are left largely to self-regulate. Consumers filed a total of 15,000+ FTC complaints in 2024.
  3. Can I Join an Existing Class Action? Yes, if you purchased a misrepresented product or used the services of company accused of greenwashing, you may join. A deceptive marketing lawyer can assess eligibility based on shared harm.
  4. Do I Need a Lawyer for a Greenwashing Claim? Yes, building a strong, valuable case requires expertise in the legal field. An experienced greenwashing lawsuit attorney can offer you free consultations to evaluate your claim. Call us now to begin the process.