ICC Releases 2025 ICC Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications
Washington, D.C., November 13, 2025 – The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has published its 2025 ICC Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications. The ICC Environmental Framework is a self-regulatory tool that provides practical guidance to marketers and advertisers on how to make environmental claims that are truthful and comply with existing legal standards. The latest version is the fifth edition of the Framework, which was first published in 2009. The Environmental Framework builds on the ICC Advertising and Marketing Communications Code, a globally-recognized benchmark for responsible marketing and advertising. The new edition aligns with the 2024 update to the Code.
The 2025 Environmental Framework provides expanded guidance on established environmental claims as well as on a range of emerging issues, including:
- Climate-related claims (e.g., net zero, carbon neutral)
- Circularity and ‘free-of’ claims
- Recyclability and recycled content
- Degradable, compostable, and reusable claims
- Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and extended producer responsibility (EPR) communications
The Framework is accompanied by a checklist intended to help businesses apply the principles. The updated Framework and checklist can be found here.
ICC Global Marketing and Advertising Commission Manager Georgiana Degeratu congratulated the team who worked on the 2025 update: “Many thanks to all those who contributed to this timely update, in particular Keller and Heckman partner Sheila Millar, who as Chair of the ICC Working Group on Sustainability stewarded the process.”
About Keller and Heckman
Keller and Heckman LLP is an internationally renowned law firm with a broad practice in the areas of regulatory law, public policy, and litigation. From offices around the world, our attorneys represent global companies and trade associations servicing a range of industries, including advertising and promotions, food and food additives, tobacco and e-vapor, plastics, pesticides, industrial and specialty chemicals, consumer products, drugs and medical devices, transportation, and communications and technology. Keller and Heckman is a pioneer in the use of interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving with an in-house scientific staff that works closely with the attorneys on matters of technical complexity.
About ICC
As the institutional representative of over 45 million businesses, reaching more than 170 countries, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) operates with a mission to make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere.
We are the primary voice of the real economy in a range of intergovernmental organisations—from the World Trade Organization to the UN climate process—championing the needs of local business in global decision making.
The convening power of our global network enables us to set rules and standards that facilitate over US$17 trillion dollars in trade each year—in addition to providing tailored products and digital services that directly address the real challenges faced by businesses operating internationally.
We also provide the world’s premier private global dispute resolution services, leveraging ICC’s unique independence, integrity and expertise.