A Dutch court decision found that KLM misled customers with an ad campaign aimed at promoting the company’s environmental efforts. The decision is expected to serve as a benchmark for airlines on what they can say publicly about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to multiple news reports. The suit was brought by environmental activists who called KLM’s actions “greenwashing.”

The court said some of KLM’s claims about sustainability were too vague or painted what the court described as “a too-rosy picture” about its measures to scale back emissions. There was no punishment in the case. Plaintiffs had argued that KLM’s “Fly Responsibly” campaign was misleading given that all flights generate significant amounts of emissions.

In a statement on its website, the carrier said its communication about sustainability must be honest and transparent. The statement said KLM has already taken important steps in this regard and has not used the 19 communications that were central to this case for some time. It continued that the company is “pleased that the court has ruled that we can continue to communicate with our customers and partners about our approach to making aviation more sustainable,” adding, “We are continuously learning how best to include them in this.”

The statement continued that the airline considers awareness and communication about sustainability goals, activities and dilemmas essential. In this way, said the statement, the carrier reaches governments, fuel suppliers, knowledge institutions, NGOs, aircraft manufacturers and customers, all parties that are needed to make flying less polluting. It is good, said the statement, “that the court gives us more clarity about what is possible and how we can continue to communicate transparently and honestly about our approach and activities.”

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