Israeli Companies Settle Lawsuit Over Misleading 'Biodegradable' Claims

Five Israeli companies have agreed to change labeling on their disposable tableware after being sued by the environmental organization "Zalul" for allegedly misleading consumers about the products' biodegradability. The companies, Max Stock Ltd., Winpack Trade Ltd., Adom Food Imports Ltd., R. Shamai Import and Marketing Ltd., and H. Cohen Import, Marketing and Logistics Ltd., will remove "green" marketing claims and symbols from items like plates and cups made from sugarcane and palm leaves. This settlement, approved by the court last week, follows a similar agreement by the company Hamel. Zalul had argued that these products, marketed as "biodegradable" and "eco-friendly," do not actually decompose under typical Israeli conditions and are sold at a significantly higher price, up to 600% more, than regular disposable items. The companies denied the allegations, stating they were not responsible for waste management in Israel, but agreed to the settlement. Under the terms, they must remove all green marketing. If "biodegradable" items remain on shelves after six months, the companies must stop selling them or clearly label that they only decompose in industrial composting facilities, which are not widely available in Israel. Zalul believes this will improve consumer information, with CEO Mor Gilboa emphasizing that reusable items are the most environmentally sound alternative. The lawsuit highlighted the global issue of single-use plastics and the misleading nature of "biodegradable" claims, as many such products break down into toxic particles or methane gas in landfills, rather than disappearing completely. Experts note that Israel lacks the separate organic waste streams necessary for proper disposal of these items.