SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — A California woman alleges in a class action lawsuit that Water Wipes "100% biodegradable" wipes are fraudulently marketed to lead consumers to believe the product will completely break down after disposal in landfills.
Maria Elena Lopez filed a complaint Oct. 28 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Water Wipes (USA) Inc., alleging fraud, negligent misrepresentation and other claims.
Lopez alleges in her class action that Water Wipes are falsely advertised and marketed as "100% biodegradable" that will biodegrade in four weeks. She claims Water Wipes will not completely break down within a reasonably short period of time after disposal in landfills.
Lopez further claims that consumers such as herself pay a premium to obtain the benefits of the biodegradable wipes. She alleges that the defendant does not disclose on the product's packaging that the wipes will not completely break down in a short period of time after customary disposal. Lopez also alleges the defendant is in violation the FTC's Green Guides which prohibit "an environmental marketing claim" from overstating an environmental attribute or benefit. She claims Water Wipes is also in violation of California's deceptive trade practices laws.
Lopez and the class seek monetary relief, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Seth Safier and Marie McCrary of Gutride Safier LLP in San Francisco.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California case number 3:22-CV-06659-LB