Amazon’s Sustainability Claims Questioned in Lawsuit

Case Overview: Amazon faces a lawsuit for allegedly misleading consumers with "green" labels on paper products, while sourcing from suppliers engaged in harmful logging.

Consumers Affected: Consumers who purchased Amazon Basics paper products based on alleged misleading sustainability claims.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

Amazon faces allegations of misleading consumers through environmental branding on Amazon Basics Paper Products. A lawsuit claims the company promotes these items as eco-friendly while sourcing materials from suppliers engaged in harmful logging practices. Plaintiffs argue that symbols such as the Sustainability Leaf, Climate Pledge Friendly badge, and FSC logo misrepresent the actual impact of these products.

Amazon Accused of "Greenwashing" Paper Products

The complaint takes issue with Amazon’s use of green certifications to market its paper towels and toilet paper. According to the lawsuit, these labels indicate responsible forestry practices, leading customers to believe the products are sourced with conservation in mind. The filing claims Amazon’s suppliers use clearcutting and burning techniques in old-growth forests, practices known to harm ecosystems and release large amounts of carbon dioxide.

Despite branding that emphasizes conservation, the lawsuit alleges Amazon continues to source pulp from unsustainable operations while benefiting from a reputation built on environmental promises.

Plaintiffs Rey Rain Ramos of California and David Ramirez of Florida, two of the four plaintiffs who brought the class action lawsuit, say they purchased Amazon Basics paper towels and toilet paper under the belief that the products met high environmental standards. They claim that Amazon’s branding concealed destructive practices in the supply chain.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs purchased Amazon Basics Paper Products claiming they relied on the sustainability symbols when deciding what to buy. The lawsuit states these labels gave the impression that the products were produced in a way that protected resources and supported conservation.

Both Rain Ramos and Ramirez say they would have either selected a different product or paid a lower price had they known the truth about Amazon’s sourcing methods.

Lawsuit Claims Harmful Logging Practices Behind Sustainability Labels

The complaint points to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Green Guides, which set advertising standards for environmental claims. Allegations against Amazon include:

• Suggesting the products were made using sustainable forestry methods while sourcing materials from suppliers engaged in destructive logging.
• Using FSC logos without disclosing that some suppliers do not follow FSC-certified practices.
• Promoting a low carbon footprint despite sourcing from operations that contribute to deforestation and climate change.

Amazon Joins Growing List of Companies Facing Greenwashing Accusations

Amazon is not the only company facing questions over its environmental claims.

Last week, a lawsuit was filed against Florida Crystals, accusing the sugar company of harming communities through sugarcane field burning while presenting itself as an environmentally responsible brand.

In July, a complaint was filed against Lululemon, alleging the company misrepresented its environmental efforts. Plaintiffs claim its "Be Planet" campaign conflicted with actual business practices, pointing to high greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on unsustainable materials.

In the Amazon green marketing class action lawsuit, the plaintiffs are asking Amazon to revise its advertising or adjust its sourcing methods along with reimbursement for consumers who relied on sustainability symbols when making purchases.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Ramos et al. v. Amazon.com, Inc.
• Case Number: 2:25-cv-00465 
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington 

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Steve W. Berman and Catherine Y. N. Gannon (Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP)
• Rebecca A. Peterson (George Feldman McDonald, PLLC)

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