Popular sunscreens accused of ‘greenwashing’ by ACCC over ‘reef friendly’ claims

Consumer regulator claims owner of Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat sunscreens misled consumers, but the company stood by the products’ claims

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The consumer regulator is taking the owner of the popular Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat sunscreens to court over allegations they misled consumers by claiming their products are “reef friendly”.

The federal court proceedings, which are being contested by the products’ owner Edgewell Personal Care, come amid intense scrutiny on sunscreens, after an investigation by consumer organisation Choice found many do not provide the level of skin protection advertised on their bottles.