This paper examines the ‘executional greenwashing’ effect, i.e. the use of nature-evoking elements in advertisements to artificially enhance a brand’s ecological image. Theoretical and regulatory implications are discussed.

‘Executional greenwashing’ refers to the use of nature-evoking elements in advertisements to artificially enhance a brand’s ecological image. Based on classic models of persuasion, a first experiment reveals that evoking nature does mislead consumers, especially if they have low knowledge...