Identifying and Mitigating Greenwashing of Carbon Utilization Products

Abstract

This study explores strategies for identifying and mitigating greenwashing of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies. A literature review was conducted to determine the most common forms of greenwashing, and the ‘seven sins’ (hidden trade-off, no proof, vagueness, worshiping false labels, irrelevance, lesser of two evils, and fibbing) along with the notion of executional greenwashing are explored in the context of CCU. A list of questions is provided to help stakeholders such as consumers, investors, non-governmental organizations, and employees uncover potential instances of greenwashing. The article concludes by exploring ways to disincentivize greenwashing of CCU products along with future areas of research.