A fresh chapter has opened in the global debate on plastics, recycling, and corporate accountability. Environmental law group ClientEarth has launched legal action against Nestlé Poland, accusing the multinational of making misleading recycling claims on its Nałęczowianka water bottles. The case has stirred conversations about what companies tell consumers—and what they leave out—when it comes to sustainability.

The Case Against Nestlé Poland

At the heart of the lawsuit are Nestlé Poland’s marketing claims suggesting that its bottles are “fully recyclable.” ClientEarth argues these statements create a false impression of environmental responsibility and fail to reflect the full picture of plastic recycling. While PET bottles are technically recyclable, the reality is far more complex.

Globally, the recycling rate for plastics remains alarmingly low. According to the OECD and multiple environmental studies, only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. Moreover, PET plastic—commonly used in beverage bottles—can only be recycled five to seven times before its quality degrades, eventually making it unusable.

Even within the European Union, which has some of the most advanced waste management systems, recycling rates remain limited. In 2022, only 40.7% of plastic packaging was recycled, and just a fraction of that material was turned into new bottles. The rest often ends up downcycled into lower-quality products or exported abroad.

A Wider Global Movement Against Greenwashing

The Nestlé case is not an isolated incident. In recent years, greenwashing—where companies exaggerate or misrepresent their environmental practices—has come under growing scrutiny.

In 2023, ClientEarth supported the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) in filing complaints against Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Danone, targeting claims that misled consumers about the sustainability of plastic packaging. The momentum grew in May 2025, when Coca-Cola dropped slogans like “I am a bottle made from 100% recycled plastic.” The company admitted that while bottle bodies were made from recycled material, caps and labels were not, a clarification that signaled how easily marketing can mislead.

These legal victories are not just about correcting misleading ads. They represent a larger cultural and legal shift, pushing corporations to embrace transparency and accountability in how they talk about recycling and sustainability.

Why This Battle Matters for Consumers

Consumers are increasingly eco-conscious, but labels can blur the truth. A 2024 Ipsos survey revealed that while most people understand that plastic packaging harms the planet, terms like “fully recyclable” or “made with recycled plastic” often convince them they are making eco-friendly choices. This creates what activists call a “feel-good illusion”—consumers believe they are helping the environment, when in reality the system is far less effective.

As ClientEarth’s Kamila Drzewicka explains:

“Sorting waste and recycling are worthwhile elements in the fight against the plastic crisis, but we cannot pretend that this will ever be enough.”

Her statement underscores a critical truth: recycling alone cannot solve the plastic crisis. Instead, campaigners argue for reducing plastic production at the source and shifting toward reusable alternatives that can break the cycle of single-use waste.

The Bigger Picture: Beyond Recycling

The Nestlé Poland lawsuit highlights a systemic problem in how sustainability is communicated. While recycling is often marketed as the solution, it is in reality just one part of a complex puzzle. Experts warn that over-reliance on recycling rhetoric risks delaying bolder solutions, such as:

• Phasing out single-use plastics in favor of refillable and reusable packaging.
• Investing in circular economy models where products are designed to last longer and be reused.
• Encouraging innovation in biodegradable alternatives and packaging-free retail systems.

Without such measures, recycling risks becoming a comfort narrative—making consumers feel better without addressing the root causes of plastic pollution.

Opinion – Eqmint Author’s Take

The lawsuits against Nestlé and other global giants are not merely legal skirmishes; they represent a fundamental shift in consumer trust and corporate responsibility. When brands overstate their recycling credentials, they create a false sense of sustainability that slows down progress toward real solutions.

What is needed is radical transparency in labeling, along with a willingness by corporations to go beyond optics and embrace structural change. Recycling should remain part of the toolkit—but the ultimate goal must be reducing single-use plastics at the source.

Consumers are no longer satisfied with vague promises or glossy green logos. They want facts, honesty, and genuine solutions. As more cases like Nestlé’s land in court, the message to corporations worldwide is becoming clearer: greenwashing has consequences.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before making decisions.