"'Greenwashing' lawsuit against KLM to proceed, Dutch court rules", 7 Jun 23

A Dutch court on Wednesday allowed to proceed to the next phase a civil suit brought by environmental groups against KLM for commercials that allegedly misled consumers about the airline's environmental credentials.

Judges found that the lawsuit brought by Fossil Free Netherlands is admissible. KLM, the Dutch subsidiary of Air France (AIRF.PA), has denied so-called "greenwashing" allegations and argued in April the group did not represent most KLM customers and did not have the right to bring a suit.

But judges found the group does have standing. "Because this is a general interest case, it is not necessary to establish which narrowly defined group of people Fossil Free represents," the decision said.

"Today's decision shows that climate organizations do have a place in fighting 'greenwashing'," Fossil Free organizer Hiske Arts said.

"As long as the biggest polluters continue to lull us to sleep through their slick marketing campaigns, climate action will not happen."...

KLM, which says it has discontinued the "Fly Responsibly" campaign that was the initial target of the Fossil Free suit, said it looks forward to arguing its case in full.

"KLM is ambitious in its climate approach and wants to involve its customers in the subject" [KLM] said in a response.

"We are always learning .. and continue looking at our communications to determine what can be better and more transparent."...

Environmental groups supporting the case, including Client Earth, say it is one of a wave of lawsuits against advertising in the airline industry, inspired by a landmark 2021 ruling ordering oil giant Shell to cut its emissions...