Coca-Cola, Danone and Nestle have been accused of making misleading claims about their plastic water bottles being “100% recycled”.

A consumer body and two environmental groups have issued a legal complaint to the European Commission over the alleged greenwashing.

They argue that the bottles are never made wholly of recycled materials.

Coca-Cola said its packaging claims can be substantiated, Nestlé said it was cutting use of plastic packaging.

Danone said it was continuing to invest in recycling infrastructure.

Companies are accused of greenwashing when they brand something as more eco-friendly, green or sustainable than it really is. It can mislead consumers who hope to help the planet by choosing those products.

The complaint to the European Commission focuses on claims by the companies that the single-use plastic water bottles they supply are either 100% recycled, or 100% recyclable.

The European Consumer Organisation, backed by the environmental groups Client Earth and ECOS, said this is misleading, particularly when accompanied by green imagery or branding.

They insist the bottles are never made wholly