The appeal filed against a first-instance decision—which had excluded the unfairness of certain commercial practices related to the use of the “Certified B Corporation” and “Carbon Neutral” certifications by a well-known reusable plastic bottle design company—was rejected (Bologna Court of Appeal, ruling of April 22, 2025).

The case had been initiated by a consumer protection association, which challenged the use of these certifications, claiming it was misleading under Directive 2005/29/EC and the Italian Consumer Code (Articles 21, 22, and 23), as well as in violation of Article 21 of Legislative Decree 30/2005.

The Court of Appeal fully upheld the first-instance ruling, finding that the certifications were based on transparent, structured procedures consistent with recognized standards.

In the absence of deception or lack of diligence, the elements of an unfair commercial practice were not considered to be present.