Environmental Institute Accuses Coca-Cola Of Greenwashing In Lawsuit
The Earth Island Institute has begun legal action against Coca-Cola for ‘false and deceptive marketing’ that represents the company as ‘sustainable and environmentally friendly’.
In the case, filed the to Superior Court of the District of Columbia, the Earth Island Institute claims that the image Coca-Cola presents is at odds with it “being one of the largest contributors to plastic pollution in the world.”
The introduction to the lawsuit argues that consumers have increasing concerns about environmental issues – a fact Coca-Cola knows – and that consumers are, therefore, “willing to seek out services of products that are less harmful to the environment”.
It then goes on to say that because of this, “some companies that produce significant amounts of plastic pollution are beginning to advertise themselves as environmentally friendly.”
They do this to counter that consumer idea that “certain industries are engaged in activities that cause environmental and human health harms.”
According to the Changing Markets Foundation, which is cited in the lawsuit, Coke is the biggest plastic waste producer of any company in the world. It produces 2.9 million metric tons of plastic waste every year.
The lawsuit also contains references to Coke’s sustainable business commitments, such as their ‘Every Bottle Back’ initiative and statements on sustainable packaging.
Indeed, on Coke’s Australian website, for example, they detail some of their environmental initiatives. The Australian arm of the company says that 70 per cent of their plastic bottle production uses recycled plastic. In Australia, Coke has also committed to collecting and recycling one bottle or can for every one sold by 2030.
On the global site, it has committed to making 100 per cent of packaging globally recyclable by 2025, and to use at least 50 per cent recycled material in packaging by 2030.
The suit alleges that “through this advertising approach – presenting itself both individually and as a member of the American Beverage Association – Coca Cola portrays itself as committed to the principles of a circular economy and taking personal responsibility for the plastic waste it produces.”
In a statement to the Earth Island Journal, the publishing arm of Earth Island Institute, Julia Cohen said “we want the Coca-Cola company to stop the greenwashing and false claims, be transparent about the plastic they use, and be a leader in investing in deposit and refill programs for the health of humans, animals, waterways, the ocean, and our environment.”
Cohen is the co-founder and managing director of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, an Earth Island project.
Sumona Majumdar, general counsel for Earth Island institute also told the Journal that, “with this lawsuit we are simply asking that Coca-Cola be honest with consumers about its plastic use so that consumers can make informed purchasing decisions.”
Rather than suing for damages, the Institute is instead aiming to stop ‘deceptive practices‘. They are calling for a trial by jury.
Latest News
Kip Wightman Jumps Ship From Nova To Replace Bob Gallagher On ARN’S 97.3FM
Kip Wightman named to replace Bob Gallagher on ARN'S 97.3FM. Apparently no one was returning Alan's calls.
Google And Meta CEOs Face Claims Of Alleged Advertising Sales Manipulation
One of the many joys if being a tech billionaire is you can afford the best lawyers if you ever get busted being dodgy.
JCDecaux Receives Certification For First Carbon Neutral Advertising Product In Australia
The question remains - can BP, Ampol or Shell advertise on JCDecaux's carbon-neutral out-of-home advertising product?
Christian O’Connell Contracts COVID-19, As Karl Stefonovic Declares His Already Battled The Virus
Karl Stefonovic tests positive to COVID. Thankfully, ex-Cassandra hasn't gone to New Idea about it.
Sir Martin Sorrell Sets Sights On Adtech With $A209 Million Venture Capital Fund
If you thought Sir Martin was going to put his pedicured, foot spa, silky smooth feet up anytime soon, you'd be wrong.
Insomniac Jennifer Aniston Fronts New Spot For Insomnia Medication Quviviq
You could take the insomnia drug Jennifer Aniston is flogging or simply watch Jennifer in the diabolical Marley & Me.
Baby Shark Becomes First Video To Reach 10 Billion Views On YouTube
B&T journalists who don't make deadlines are locked under the stairs and made to listen to Baby Shark for eight hours.
Men Vox Popped In The Street On Women’s Anatomy, Goes Spectacularly Badly
Sure, most men don't know where the clitoris is, but more importantly they rarely forget bin night.
SafetyCulture Releases Its First Brand TVC Featuring Thanasi Kokkinakis and Scott Cam
SafetyCulture’s first brand TVC, ‘Making grand plans a reality,’ features Adelaide International tennis champion Thanasi Kokkinakis and The Block’s Scott Cam (Pictured above). The TVC will debut during Channel 9’s Australian Open opening rounds and will air throughout the tournament. The 30-second spot will also run on social and digital media, at the Melbourne Park […]
NHVR Educates Young Drivers In New “Don’t #uck With A Truck” Campaign
"Don’t #uck with a truck" is excellent advice. As is "don’t #uck with a premenstrual woman & "don't #uck with the ATO".
“I Apologise To The Women Of The World!” King Kyle Is Back On Air & Off The Market
The Daily Mail set for a rich vein of stories for the next 12 months, as Kyle Sandilands announces engagement.
A Cautionary Tale Of “Bargain Regret” In AAMI’s New Campaign Via Ogilvy Melbourne
There are three givens in adland - annoying meerkats, Flight Centre's fake pilots & AAMI's attractive call centre girls.
Government Launches Online Survey Seeking Views Of Regional News
A new online survey is seeking views on how Australians’ living in regional, rural or remote areas access news as part of a federal parliamentary inquiry into Australia’s regional newspapers. The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts Chair Dr Anne Webster MP said: “Over the past 10 years news outlets in rural, regional and remote […]
NOVA Entertainment Appoints Adam Johnson As Chief Growth Officer
NOVA's new chief growth officer says role does include mould in fridge, dead fern in reception or moustaches in Movember.
Kia Unveils Kia Halo’ Activation At Australian Open
Has your Ashes vigil left an unsightly sweat stain on the couch? Add to it with two weeks of tennis starting today.
Special’s Abigail Dawson Named Enero/BMF’s New Comms Director, As Lu Borges Departs For LA Role
Abigail Dawson shifts to Pyrmont for Enero role. Enjoying the variety of Japanese, Japanese and Japanese restaurants.
Clems Sydney Nabs dentsu’s Brent Kerby As New CEO
Dentsu's Brent Kerby jumps ship to join rival Clems Sydney. The farewell speech reported to be "brusque and anodyne".
Anytime Fitness Launches Inclusive New Campaign Via Performics Mercerbell
Packed on the pudding during lockdown? Let Anytime Fitness' wall-to-wall mirrors confirm the harrowing truth.
Dentsu Nabs CHEP’s David Halter As Chief Of Strategy & Growth, Confirms Brent Kirby’s Departure
B&T can't confirm adland's 'great resignation', but there's clear evidence today of the great poaching.
Nine Names Tennis Partners For 2022 Australian Open
Look, it's finally some actual Australian Open tennis news that doesn't involve the full bench of the High Court.
The Monkeys’ Lizzie Wood Says Cannes Young Lions Allows People To “Show The Diversity Of Your Thinking”
Entries are well and truly open for the 2022 TikTok Cannes Young Lions Competition Australia so we decided to sit down with winners from previous years and pick their brains. Today we’re with Lizzie Wood from The Monkeys, the 2021 winner of the Cannes Young Lions award in the film category alongside her creative partner […]
Yellowpanda In “Dream” Collab With Hard FIZZ And Aviassist
Queensland PR and personal branding agency, Yellowpanda, has added two headline clients to its stable with celebrity-backed seltzer brand, Hard FIZZ, and drone experts, Aviassist, joining the ‘Panda Den’. The new clients enjoying early success with Yellowpanda with Hard FIZZ and Aviassist both seeing extensive mainstream media mentions in their first month of representation. Hard […]
Twitter And Snapchat Caution Against Government Anonymity Measures
Federal government resumes 2022 where it left off with the tech giants in 2021 - in pissing them off.
InstantScripts Appoints Richard Skimin As New COO
Online script service InstantScripts names Richard Skimin as COO. Confirms he can't get half-priced VIagra tablets.
Openly Gay Aussie Footballer Josh Cavallo Partners With Ralph Lauren For Polo Launch
Josh Cavallo now forced to dress like a rich, white American college student after signing Ralph Lauren deal.
Bloke Puts Up Billboard Looking For A Wife, Gets Over 1000 Responses
Do parents & friends like to embarrass you about your perennial singledom? Take it next level with a billboard campaign.
Brand+Story Launch “We Can Take It From Here” Campaign With The Australian Republic Movement
Why fork out loads for an Australian Republic campaign when the Royal family are doing such an excellent job for free.
Nine Launches Drive, The Show For Car Lovers Across Channel Nine, 9Rush & 9Now
Nine launches new car enthusiasts program. Insists it's not just for people with mullets & a penchant for the donut.
VIDAA Selects Unruly’s SSP And Ad Server For CTV And Native Display
VIDAA's wheelie bin chock full or bubble wrap & polystyrene foam protectors after selecting Unruly’s SSP & ad server.
Oakley Teams With Football Young Gun In New Partnership & Campaign
Oakley issues latest press announcement which is surprisingly free of the words rad, gnarly or even cowabunga.
