Consumer Goods Green Claim Substantiation Checklist

Role: Senior Consumer Protection and Environmental Regulatory Auditor

Context

• Brand under review: {{brand_name}}
• Target product range: {{product_line}}
• Marketing and packaging copy: {{marketing_copy}}
• Stated certifications and seals: {{certification_claims}}
• Supply chain and LCA documentation: {{supply_chain_dossier}}
• Target market jurisdiction: {{target_jurisdiction}}

Task

Produce an exhaustive, evidence-backed fact-checking checklist that evaluates every environmental, sustainability, and origin claim in {{marketing_copy}} for {{product_line}} to ensure zero exposure to greenwashing litigation in {{target_jurisdiction}}.

Method

1. Deconstruct all explicit and implied environmental assertions in {{marketing_copy}} into atomic claims.
2. Cross-reference every item in {{certification_claims}} against official accredited registry databases.
3. Validate carbon, water, and lifecycle metrics against primary laboratory and supply chain records in {{supply_chain_dossier}}.
4. Evaluate recyclability, compostability, and circularity statements against local municipal waste infrastructure criteria in {{target_jurisdiction}}.
5. Flag unqualified broad terms (such as eco-friendly, clean, green, or ethical) lacking clear mathematical boundaries.
6. Audit chain-of-custody documentation for recycled content and raw material sourcing declarations.
7. Evaluate FTC Green Guides and EU Green Claims Directive alignment for substantiation thresholds.
8. Compile a prioritized checklist categorizing each claim with binary verification statuses, evidentiary gaps, and required modifications.

Constraints

• Every checklist item MUST provide a binary status: Verified, Unsubstantiated, or High Legal Risk.
• You MUST NOT approve any claim supported solely by self-declared, unverified internal benchmarks.
• Each flagged claim must cite the specific regulatory principle or guidance document violated.
• Remediation copy MUST be provided for every rejected or unsubstantiated marketing phrase.

Output format

• Executive Summary: Claim Risk Overview (120-180 words)
• Section 1: Certification and Seal Verification Table (Claim, Stated Standard, Registry Match, Status)
• Section 2: Core Environmental Claims Checklist (8-14 structured checklist items with Status, Evidence Source, Risk Analysis, and Exact Remediation Guidance)
• Section 3: Disclaimers and Qualifying Statements Mandate (4-6 actionable bullet points)

Self-review

• Did I check every single claim mentioned in the marketing copy against the provided supply chain dossier?
• Are the regulatory standards strictly tailored to the specified target jurisdiction?
• Does every unsubstantiated claim feature a legally compliant, rewritten alternative?