NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
February 12, 2008                   

Contacts:   
Tracey Halliday
(202) 463-6718

Jennifer Tzitzon
(202) 463-6705

AMERICAN BEVERAGE ASSOCIATION
COMMENTS ON FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION’S GREEN GUIDE STANDARDS

WASHINGTON – The American Beverage Association today submitted comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) concerning its Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (or “Green Guides”), which are used to communicate messages to consumers concerning recyclability and environmental attributes about products and packages. 

“The beverage industry supports the need for strong, meaningful symbols that provide clear messages to consumers about recycling,” said Susan K. Neely, president and CEO, American Beverage Association.  “Our industry has a proven track record when it comes to environmentally-friendly packaging with our 100 percent recyclable containers among the most recycled consumer packaging in the country.”

The American Beverage Association and its members support the FTC’s review of the Green Guides and believe that any changes must provide clear guidance to companies about making accurate environmental claims, while also preventing confusion for consumers.

“We strongly support the FTC altering the Green Guides to ensure companies are providing accurate environmental claims to educate and inform consumers, while also giving companies the flexibility needed for continued packaging innovation,” said Neely. 

# # #

The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.

-30-