The impact of reliable and comparable information on the implementation of the principle of sustainable development. Selected legal issues

Abstract

Sustainable development is a fundamental principle of international law, aimed at achieving
socio-economic development that incorporates the simultaneous integration of economic
and social activities while maintaining ecological balance. This is essential to ensure the
ability to satisfy the basic needs of individual communities or citizens, both present and
future generations. It is difficult to imagine the implementation of sustainable development
principles by entrepreneurs without effective communication regarding the company’s image,
its services, and products. However, consumers interested in purchasing more sustainable
products are often deterred by misleading or even false information about these products
(a phenomenon known as greenwashing). The European legislator’s aim is to strengthen
the consumer’s position by eliminating false green claims and providing reliable, easily
comparable information from businesses. This article discusses the principle of sustainable
development in the context of corporate communication activities, with particular emphasis
on the problem of greenwashing.