German court rules Apple cannot call Apple Watch Series 9 ‘carbon neutral’

A regional court in Frankfurt (ruling dated August 26, 2025) found that Apple’s claim that select Apple Watch Series 9 models are “carbon neutral” is misleading under German competition law. The court concluded the claim relied on an insufficient carbon-offset project based on eucalyptus plantations in Paraguay.

Main points:

• The court questioned the long-term security of the forestry offset: about 75% of the land for the Paraguay planting was only leased through 2029, leaving no guaranteed continuation of the project after that date.
• Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), which brought the case, said the claim “deceives consumers” and described the offset as an ineffective carbon-indulgence scheme.
• Apple disagrees with DUH, reiterating its broader climate strategy and goal to make all products carbon-neutral by 2030. Apple said it may appeal the decision.

“This promise deceives consumers, because it is based on a carbon-indulgence scheme with an ineffective offsetting project.” — Juergen Resch, DUH

Implications: If the decision stands on appeal, Apple will need to revise its marketing language in Germany and possibly elsewhere to avoid similar legal challenges. The ruling underlines scrutiny of offset projects and the growing legal risk of broad “carbon neutral” product claims when offsets lack long-term guarantees.

Further reading: The Register: German court rules Apple can’t say Watches ‘carbon neutral’

Shop: Apple Watch Series 9 on Amazon (affiliate)

Note: This post summarizes reporting and DUH’s legal action; it does not link to the original Engadget RSS source.