Air Purifying Bedsheets! Claims found to be misleading: Welspun asked to withdraw advt
- Posted by CERC India
- Posted in Press Releases
Press Release
Ahmedabad, 28 December 2021
Imagine having a bedsheet that would purify the air while you sleep. Sounds too good to be true, right? That is exactly what Welspun Global Brands Ltd. claimed about its brand “Spaces Bedsheet”.
The Facebook post of Welspun Spaces Bedsheet claimed “Introducing the new Air Purifying Bedsheets by SPACES that absorb the harmful greenhouse gases in the air and convert it into pure air so you can #SleepHappy” and “Pure Air Technology”. (https://www.facebook.com/SpacesInd/videos/1097544444318109). CERC lodged a complaint against the advt. Based on advertiser’s response, Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) upheld CERC complaint and found the advt claims to be misleading.
ASCI reviewed the test reports and the additional submissions shared by the advertiser. However, the test data did not pertain to air purification but rather was for surface disinfection. The advertiser explained that the technology of the said product works by absorbing greenhouse gases and then purifying the air. The technical explanations were not substantiated with any laboratory tests using the Welspun bedsheet replicating a real environment to prove the claims.
ASCI said the claims are likely to lead to widespread disappointment in the minds of the consumers. The advertiser has been asked to modify the advt or withdraw it by 17 December 2021. However, CERC found that the post continues to appear on the Facebook page of the brand. CERC has written to ASCI asking them to take action against the advertiser.
Ms Anusha Iyer, Manager – Advocacy, CERC says, “CERC has always been active in spotting such misleading ads, reporting them to ASCI, Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and other Regulators to take action against such advertisements. The advertisement under question, is not only irresponsible but also alarming as people will believe that it is an easy and cost effective way to purify the indoor air rather than investing in an air purifier. It may also give them a false sense of security when they are indoors.”
For further information please contact:
Ms Anusha Iyer 9825005612
