The Guides now stipulate that use of a symbol should clearly convey the basis for the certification and TRSA says that the washing machine in its Clean Green seal is an “indisputable indicator that the programme evaluates plant production processes.”

Launched earlier this year, the Clean Green certification scheme recognises companies that meet TRSA requirements for achieving efficiencies in water and energy conservation and adopting best management practices for re-using, re-claiming and recycling resources.

FTC green guides are designed to help companies ensure that the claims they make about the environmentally friendly nature of their products are truthful and non-deceptive. The guides describe the types of environmental claims that the FTC would consider acceptable and those it might see as deceptive. They are intended only as advice but the commission can take action against deceptive claims.

The updagted guides inlude sections on the use of carbon offsets, “green” certifications and seals, and claims about renewable energy and renewable materials.