Worcester Bosch to change ‘hydrogen-blend ready’ messaging following CMA action
Worcester Bosch to change ‘hydrogen-blend ready’ messaging following CMA action
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Published on 14 August 2024
Worcester Bosch to amend marketing claims following CMA concern
Around 1.6 million people buy a new boiler in the UK each year
The CMA aims to ensure consumers are given clear and accurate information
Worcester Bosch has promised to change marketing material that implies its boilers stand out because they can run on a blend of up to 20% hydrogen following concerns from regulators that such claims mislead consumers.
According to the Competition Markets Authority (CMA), Worcester Bosch’s claims that its boilers are “hydrogen-blend ready” could lead consumers to believe they are “unique” or “special” when in fact most boilers can run on a blend of up to 20% hydrogen.
More specifically, the CMA was concerned that Worcester Bosch’s claims could give the false impression that consumers would reduce their carbon footprint and ‘future-proof’ their heating system by buying a Worcester Bosch boiler on account of it being ‘hydrogen-blend ready’.
There was also concern the supplier did not make it clear to consumers its uncertainty whether hydrogen might be used for future home heating systems.
As a result, Worcester Bosch has pledged to withdraw or change its marketing material on all channels and get third-party partners to do likewise.
Hayley Fletcher, interim senior director, consumer protection at the CMA, said: “Around 1.6 million people buy a new boiler in the UK each year – a big decision that can cost thousands of pounds.
“With people increasingly concerned about their impact on the environment and the cost of bills, it is vital that consumers can make well-informed decisions.
“Our action – including the changes secured from Worcester Bosch – will help to ensure that consumers looking for a new heating system are provided with clear and accurate information.”
Written by
Tamara BirchSenior Writer
Tamara is a London-based journalist and has written about environmental topics for more than four years. This includes advising small business owners on cost-effective ways, like solar panels and energy-efficient products, to help them become more sustainable.
She has used her journalist and research skills to become highly knowledgeable on sustainable initiatives, issues, and solutions to help consumers do their bit for the environment - all while reducing monthly costs.
In addition to adopting sustainable practices in her personal life, Tamara has worked in the retail B2B space to help independent retailers think about their environmental choices and how they can help improve their business. She now uses this knowledge to help consumers do the same.
Her passion for sustainability and eco-friendly solutions stems from a long obsession with nature and animals and ensuring they feel looked after. In her free time, Tamara enjoys reading fantasy novels, visiting the gym, and going on long walks in new areas.
You can get in touch with Tamara via email at tamara.birch@mvfglobal.com.
Max joined The Eco Experts as content manager in February 2024. He has written about sustainability issues across numerous industries, including maritime, supply chain, finance, mining, and retail. He has also written extensively for consumer titles like City AM, The Morning Star, and The Daily Express.
In 2020, he covered in detail the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) legislation on sulphur emissions and its effects on the global container shipping market as online editor of Port Technology International.
He also explored the initiatives major container ports and terminals have launched in order to ship vital goods across the world without polluting the environment.
Since then, he has reported heavily on the impact made by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices on the supply chain of minerals, with a particular focus on rare earth mining in Africa.
As part of this, in 2022 Max visited mines and ports in Angola to hone in on the challenges being faced by one of the world’s biggest producers of rare earth minerals.
His most recent sustainability-related work came much closer to home, as he investigated the eco-challenges faced by independent retailers in the UK, specifically looking at how they can cut emissions and continue to thrive.
Max lives in South London and is an avid reader of books on modern history and ghost stories. He has also recently learned to play the game Mahjong and takes every opportunity to do so. He is also yet to find a sport he doesn’t enjoy watching.
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