The Council of State re-establishes the truth about the Eni Diesel+ case

After years of debates and controversies, the verdict has finally arrived: the Council of State has annulled the provision of the Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) regarding the Eni Diesel+ case, thus confirming theabsence of unfair commercial practices in the company's advertising approach.

Eni, a world-famous energy giant, has had its claim rejected that it had deceptively promoted its Diesel+ fuel as ecologically advantageous, to the point of receiving a fine of 5 million euros in 2020. The Council of State rightly recognized the groundlessness of these accusations, establishing that Eni did not deceive consumers or implement unfair practices.

At the center of the dispute was the interpretation of the concept of “green claims“, or the promotion of products as ecological or with low environmental impact. Eni has always maintained that its Diesel+ contained a significant percentage of Hvo (hydrogenated biofuel) such as to actually make it less polluting than other fuels on the market. Now, with the ruling of the Council of State, this statement is fully supported, confirming that the use of the term "green" is also legitimate for products which, although they do not have zero impact on the environment, still represent an improvement compared to the alternatives available.

This decision not only restores Eni's reputation, but also has a broader impact on the environmental debate and transparency in the energy sector. It confirms that companies can rely on documented scientific evidence to promote the environmental benefits of their products, without fearing unfounded accusations of “greenwashing".

Furthermore, the Council of State's ruling highlights the importance of a fact-based and science-based approach in the evaluation of business practices, especially when it comes to environmental issues. Eni, in particular, has demonstrated that it is at the forefront of research and development of sustainable energy solutions, a commitment that is now recognized and supported even by the country's highest judicial body.

Finally, this story should serve as a warning for the responsible use of "green claims" in corporate marketing, encouraging companies to be transparent and accurate in communicating the environmental benefits of their products. Only in this way will it be possible to build a more sustainable future, in which companies actively contribute to the fight against climate change and environmental protection.