Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) has initiated legal action against Danone Waters of America, LLC, the U.S. distributor of evian bottled water, alleging false and deceptive marketing. Filed in the District of Columbia Superior Court, the lawsuit accuses Danone of misleading consumers by promoting evian as “sustainable," “natural," and “healthy,” despite evidence of health-harming microplastics and bisphenol-A (BPA) in the product.
Danone Waters of America is a subsidiary of the French multinational corporation Danone. The company began importing evian products to the U.S. and Canada in 1978, and the brand is now sold in over 140 countries. Despite its global presence and high sales, the environmental and health impacts of evian bottled water have come under scrutiny.
An independent laboratory evaluation revealed the presence of microplastics and BPA in evian bottled water. These findings challenge Danone’s claims that water is "natural” and "healthy.” Microplastics have been detected in various human organs and are linked to severe health issues such as fertility problems, heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and stroke. BPA, a chemical used to harden plastics, disrupts human endocrine systems and is among the most hazardous of the over 16,000 chemicals added to plastics.
PPC argues that Danone’s sustainability claims are equally deceptive. Despite marketing evian as environmentally friendly and emphasizing 100% recycled plastic (rPET) bottles, these bottles’ production and recycling processes significantly contribute to plastic pollution. Most plastic items collected for recycling end up in landfills and incinerators or are shipped overseas, perpetuating environmental damage and social injustices.
PPC’s lawsuit contends that Danone exploits consumer concerns about health and the environment by falsely promoting evian's benefits. The coalition asserts that Danone’s marketing misleads consumers into believing they are making eco-friendly and healthy choices when, in reality, they are exposed to harmful substances and contributing to plastic pollution.
Julia Cohen, Co-founder and Managing Director of Plastic Pollution Coalition, emphasized the importance of corporate honesty, stating, “We will continue to insist that corporations, like Danone, be honest with consumers about their products, especially when it comes to human and environmental health. There is nothing ‘natural’ about water containing petrochemical products and there is nothing ‘sustainable’ about single-use plastic bottles.”
Sumona Majumdar, CEO of Earth Island Institute, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the discrepancy between Danone’s marketing and its products’ environmental impact.
The lawsuit, filed under the District of Columbia Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA), seeks to address Danone's deceptive marketing practices. PPC aims to secure an injunction to stop Danone from continuing these practices, a declaration that the company’s actions are unlawful, and to raise public awareness about the true environmental and health impacts of evian water.
PPC’s case is backed by scientific studies showing that plastic bottles, including those made from rPET, release microplastics and other harmful chemicals into the water. The coalition references industry practices and standards that contradict Danone’s claims, highlighting the broader impact of plastic pollution and the inefficacy of current recycling processes.
As consumers increasingly seek genuinely sustainable and healthy products, transparency and honesty in marketing are paramount.
