Greenwashing Awareness: A Study on its Role in Shaping Eco-Conscious Consumer Decisions


Authors : Dr. Anil Kumar Akkala; Dr. Parla Suresh; Mounica Pasupuleti; Jaladi Ravi

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mxr84xzm

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/44ttwdnw

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar071

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : With the growing demand for green marketing in the recent times, the scope for greenwashing has also predominantly risen which is explained by the deliberate exaggeration or misrepresentation of environmental claims to attract eco-conscious consumers. As consumers increasingly seek eco-friendly options, their ability to recognize and respond to such misleading practices has become a critical area of study. The study aims to explore the role of greenwashing awareness in shaping eco-conscious consumer decisions, with particular emphasis on its influence on attitudes toward sustainable products and purchasing discernment. The study includes a quantitative analysis of data collected by surveying eco-conscious consumers on their awareness levels and the consequent purchase decisions. Constructs such as greenwashing awareness, consumer attitudes, and eco-conscious purchase behaviour will be measured using validated Likert-scale instruments and techniques like regression analysis and correlation are to be employed. By focusing on awareness as a key driver of eco-conscious behaviour, the research is expected to contribute valuable insights into how consumers navigate sustainability claims and how businesses and policymakers can foster trust through transparent communication. The findings of this study will provide theoretical contributions to the literature on consumer behaviour and practical implications for marketers, advocacy groups, and regulators aiming to promote authentic sustainable practices.

Keywords : Greenwashing, Eco-Conscious Consumers, Purchasing Discernment, Transparent Communication, Sustainable

References :

  1. Pooja. (2021). Greenwash and its influence on consumers purchase intentions (Doctoral dissertation, Kurukshetra University). Shodhganga@INFLIBNET. http://hdl.handle.net/10603/400630
  2. Gupta, K. (2025). Implications of greenwashing perception on consumer green purchase intention: A study of urban Punjab (Doctoral dissertation, Chandigarh University). Shodhganga@INFLIBNET. http://hdl.handle.net/10603/650432
  3. Saha, S. (2022). A study of greenwashing in corporate environmental reports with reference to selected companies in India (University of Calcutta). Shodhganga@INFLIBNET. http://hdl.handle.net/10603/466024
  4. Tare, H L (2025). Green Marketing Strategies and their Impact on Consumers Purchase Intensions A Study of Maharashtra State (MGM University, Aurangabad). Shodhganga@INFLIBNET. http://hdl.handle.net/10603/666815
  5. Angeline gautami Fernando (2014). Impact of message involvement on Attitudes and purchase intentions Towards green advertising (Anna University). Shodhganga@INFLIBNET. http://hdl.handle.net/10603/34165
  6. Ramkumar M. Factors influencing on consumers in the purchase of green products (Annamalai University). http://hdl.handle.net/10603/226167
  7. Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). (2024, October 15). Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024. Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India. Retrieved from https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/
  8. KPMG Assurance & Consulting LLP. (2024, December 18). First Notes — Guidelines to regulate greenwashing and misleading environmental claims. (Report). Retrieved from https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmgsites/in/pdf/2024/12/firstnotes-guidelines-to-regulate-greenwashing-and-misleading-environmental-claims.pdf
  9. KPMG (2024, November 14). From insight to action: A pragmatic approach to combat greenwashing. (White paper). Retrieved from https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmgsites/in/pdf/2024/11/from-insight-to-action-a-pragmatic-approach-to-combat-greenwashing.pdf
  10. United Nations. (n.d.). Greenwashing – the deceptive tactics behind environmental claims. United Nations Climate Change. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/greenwashing
  11. CUTS International. (2024). Combatting Greenwashing in India: Contextualising global good practices to drive sustainable consumption in India. (Briefing paper). Retrieved from https://cuts-cart.org/pdf/bp-combatting-greenwashing-in-india.pdf
  12. Popescu, G.N.; Popescu, V.A.; Popescu, C.R. Corporate Governance in Romania: Theories and Practices. In Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility: Emerging Markets Focus; Boubaker, S., Nguyen, D.K., Eds.; World Scientific: Hackensack, NJ, USA; London, UK, 2015; pp. 375–401.
  13. Pires, C. S., Sales, M., & Conejero, M. (Year). Greenwashing, consumer perceived confusion and trust: Effects on behavioral intention. Greenwashing Study and Consumers’ Behavioral Intentions. (Use proper journal name & volume)
  14. Katait, S. K. (2017). Green washing in India: Misleading and deceptive environmental claims in advertising. International Journal of Commerce & Management Research, 3(2), 91–97. Retrieved from https://www.managejournal.com/assets/archives/2017/vol3issue2/3-1-46-626.pdf

With the growing demand for green marketing in the recent times, the scope for greenwashing has also predominantly risen which is explained by the deliberate exaggeration or misrepresentation of environmental claims to attract eco-conscious consumers. As consumers increasingly seek eco-friendly options, their ability to recognize and respond to such misleading practices has become a critical area of study. The study aims to explore the role of greenwashing awareness in shaping eco-conscious consumer decisions, with particular emphasis on its influence on attitudes toward sustainable products and purchasing discernment. The study includes a quantitative analysis of data collected by surveying eco-conscious consumers on their awareness levels and the consequent purchase decisions. Constructs such as greenwashing awareness, consumer attitudes, and eco-conscious purchase behaviour will be measured using validated Likert-scale instruments and techniques like regression analysis and correlation are to be employed. By focusing on awareness as a key driver of eco-conscious behaviour, the research is expected to contribute valuable insights into how consumers navigate sustainability claims and how businesses and policymakers can foster trust through transparent communication. The findings of this study will provide theoretical contributions to the literature on consumer behaviour and practical implications for marketers, advocacy groups, and regulators aiming to promote authentic sustainable practices.

Keywords : Greenwashing, Eco-Conscious Consumers, Purchasing Discernment, Transparent Communication, Sustainable

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - March - 2026

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