WASHING AND TRANSFORMATION OF CORPORATE IMAGE: ANALYSIS OF ESG PRACTICES AND LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

The relationship between ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and consumers' search for more sustainable products and services that have a social purpose is increasingly reflected in current legislation, and there are discussions that are generally settled by the High Courts. This article will present the definition of washing and how this practice is used to alter the image of companies that distort the idea of ​​sustainable products and that cause minimal or no harm to the environment in order to increase their profits. This point of view will also address the application of the legislation and the debates about the creation of specific legislation, as well as its applicability for consumer protection, who often end up not knowing what action they can take to protect themselves from abusive practices, given that the legislation is not clear on the subject.