Updated: Greenpeace has hit out after both Seven and SBS followed Nine's lead in banning its recycling advert which targets Coca-Cola. It has also complained that the drinks giant has bought up Google ad words relating to the issue and claimed Coca-Cola may have even bought the word Greenpeace.
Seven said the ad was 'inappropriate' and won't air it.
“None of the channels have clarified why an ad that has passed their own industry body’s standards is unfit to air,” said Greenpeace campaigner Reece Turner. “The most logical conclusion is that the networks fear losing advertising revenue from Coca-Cola.”
“Frankly, it’s astounding to find ourselves in a situation where a company that sells fizzy drinks can control what Australians have the right to watch on TV.”
The campaign group also accused Coca-Cola of trying to stop it raising awareness of the issue on the web. In a statement Greenpeace said Coca-Cola had "purchasing nearly every conceivable Google Ad Word relating to recycling and cash for containers. It seems the beverage giant has even gone so far as purchasing the search term ‘Greenpeace.’"
Turner said instead of trying to do "the right thing, the corporation is trying to use its muscle to shut down discussion."
Coca-Cola issued a statment in response:
“Coca-Cola is committed to measures that improved recycling and reduce litter in Australia. We disagree with Greenpeace about the best methods for doing that and we’re happy to have that debate. Indeed, we continue to have this conversation in stakeholder meetings, on Facebook and via our blog.
"Adwords (or paid search) is a legitimate and transparent means to help people understand our position on recycling and why we don’t support container deposits. Greenpeace are entitled to their opinion, but the idea that we are trying to shut down debate is simply not supported by the facts.”
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