Misleading ‘greenwashing’ ads banned
Adverts published by on behalf of London Luton Airport have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for claims of greenwashing.
The ads were published by Luton Rising to highlight the airport’s planned expansion.
London Rising didn’t detail the environmental impact of the expansion with any specifics.
The ads said: “If we miss our environmental limits, our expansion will be stopped in its tracks.”
Luton Rising is a separate entity to London Luton Airport.
Ads were displayed on the London Underground, and online.
They were reported to the ASA by activists.
The Adfree Cities group said: “Green growth advertising is a house of cards that immediately collapses under scrutiny.”
“The ad failed to include emissions from flights in its environmental accounting.”
“This level of deception is totally shocking – it’s like advertising cigarettes as healthy.”
The ASA upheld the complaint saying it could mislead consumers.
In doing so, it said the adverts made statements about Green Controlled Growth, but did not provide further information about the limits included.
The ASA says it breached the code on misleading advertising and environmental claims.
Last year, several adverts for airlines including Lufthansa and Air France for failing to prove their sustainability commitments with data.
Related News Stories:
Related News Stories: Shell adverts banned over misleading clean energy claims HSBC ads banned for misleading consumers about green credentials MEPs adopt new law banning greenwashing and misleading ... Oatly ads banned by UK watchdog over 'misleading' green claims ... EU to ban greenwashing and improve consumer information on ... The five: ads banned for greenwashing | Environment | The Guardian Shell, Repsol, Petronas Ads Banned in UK for Greenwashing ... Lufthansa's 'green' adverts banned in UK for misleading consumers ... Webinar: How to get greenwashing airline ads banned — Stay ... UK bans airline adverts over 'misleading' environmental claims ...
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11