Deceptive Packaging: How to Avoid Marketing Scams When You Shop

Empty space

The classic chip bag complaint—when a bag that’s been puffed up with air looks like it contains more product than it really does. This also happens commonly with cosmetic containers that have a bulky design but only a little of what you’re actually paying for.

To avoid being misled by opaque or oversized packaging, it’s always a good idea to check the fine print, or better yet, shop at a tare weight grocery store to refill the exact amount you need.

False recyclability claims

Just because a product has a recycling symbol or number on it, that doesn’t mean it will make it through the system. These symbols only indicate plastic type, not recyclability. Products marked as recyclable will only be recycled if your local facility accepts them based on city guidelines.

The gross overstatement of plastic’s recyclability has been sold to consumers not by environmentalists but by the plastic industry itself, to convince the public that plastic packaging is feasibly sustainable.

This myth is often perpetuated on the packaging, but the reality is that only a small fraction of plastic ends up fully recycled. When in doubt, opt for recyclable glass, paper, metal, compostable materials, or package-free products.

Just because a product has a recycling symbol or number on it, that doesn’t mean it will make it through the system

Hidden plastic

Mixed materials may contain hidden plastic or be otherwise unrecyclable. Think those hard, stiff bottles that appear to be glass online but are actually made of hard plastic—or snack bags that are foil on the outside but bonded with a plastic layer.

Even tea bags that appear to be wrapped in paper or foil often have an inner plastic casing, or plastic components in the bags themselves that can leech out in hot water.

This is why avoiding packaging entirely or buying goods from a low-waste store that vets the packaging for you is always your best bet. To make more empowered decisions about packaging materials, quick-check our sustainable glossary here.

Greenwashing

Classic forms of greenwashing include packaging designs, colors, images, fonts, and other signifiers that falsely suggest a product is more sustainable, clean, or “natural” than others on the shelf.

If you see packages with a leaf or sprout detail, or a mountain or tree in the background, or a product name that implies sustainability, don’t stop there. You may still need to give the label a further look or check online to see how that product has been sourced or packaged.

With bulk refill shopping, there are no confusing prices, because the price per weight is clearly and prominently listed

There are a number of sites or apps that help you determine a certain brand’s sustainability, but the easiest way is to shop at a store that weeds out these deceptive brands to begin with.

Misleading designs and claims

In addition to the size of a product, there are also a number of ways that brands lure consumers into buying their products, by using exaggerated wording, using buzz words or misleading or complicated terms like “natural” or falsely positioning a callout as a differentiator in its category.

Confusing prices

With traditional grocery shopping, there may be many brands of the same type of product next to each other on the shelf, and some might seem a better value based on the size or immediate price, until you check the finer print on the shelf labels and see that it’s actually more costly per ounce.

With bulk refill shopping, there are no confusing prices, because the price per weight is clearly and prominently listed, so you can easily see how much something costs.

How to avoid deceptive packaging

The easiest way for savvy shoppers to avoid packaging scams and misleading labels is to shop at a refill grocery or online zero waste store.

All the products are re_ have been chosen because they’re the best and most affordable organic, non-GMO, vegan, or minimally processed options sourced from responsible brands.

To make more empowered decisions about packaging materials, quick-check our sustainable glossary

Size and value transparency

By refilling, you get full transparency and the ability to buy exactly how much you need. This way, you can skip the awkward leftover amount of farro, quinoa, lentils, or pasta left in the box, and instead buy the exact amount a recipe calls for—or bulk up without paying an upcharge for single-use packaging.

And if you want to try something before committing to a large size, you can always shop a sample portion first to see if you like it.

You can also clearly see something’s price per pound, empowering you to make better buying decisions that aren’t distracted by label claims.

Straightforward information

Items at re_ grocery are minimally marked, but clearly labeled with callouts like “Organic” or “Vegan” so you can check if items fit your goals. And if you want to dive further into product ingredients and end-of life information, you can easily scan the QR codes for more details.

We’ve also created an online glossary full of terms to help you better understand the ins and outs of sustainable terms and packaging materials, from nanoplastics to compostable cellulose.

No marketing scams, no paying for empty space, no hidden plastic, no greenwashing, no confusing labels. By choosing refill at our organic, low-waste grocery, you’re empowered to make the best consumer choices for your health and your budget.