Report: Coca-Cola ‘spent millions’ to counter obesity links
Coca-Cola is to publish details of all the scientific research it funds in the UK after an investigation by The Times uncovered that the company had spent millions of pounds to counter claims that its drinks help to cause obesity. The newspaper reported that the soft drinks giant has financial links to more than a dozen British scientists, including government health advisers and others who cast doubt on the commonly accepted link between sugary drinks and the obesity crisis. Coca-Cola spent millions setting up the European Hydration Institute – an apparently independent research foundation, which has recommended that people consume sports and soft drinks. The story follows a similar investigation earlier this year by the New York Times, which led to Coca-Cola disclosing the extent of its research funding in the US. Jon Woods, general manager of Coca-Cola in the UK and Ireland, defended the research, saying it had allowed Coca-Cola in the UK to reformulate 27 drinks over the past ten years to reduce their sugar and calorie content, as well as introducing colour-coded nutrition labels. (The Times)
Report: Hotel ‘greenwashing’ dirties eco-friendly reputation
Hotels across the globe are increasingly encouraging guests to embrace green practices, such as turning off lights and re-using towels. Yet American consumers increasingly recognise that hotels’ green claims may be self-serving, according to a paper on ‘greenwashing’ recently published in the Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. The researchers surveyed over 3,000 consumers, finding that recognition of a hotel’s hidden profit motive caused them to be sceptical about environmental claims, and made them less likely to engage in a linen reuse program or to revisit the hotel. This comes at a time when as many as 79 percent of travellers worldwide agree that implementing eco-friendly practices is important to their choice of lodging. The researchers suggest several steps hoteliers can take to develop a positive image of their hotel and reduce consumer scepticism. They said the single most important thing is to become certified by independent and credible agencies, such as Green Seal and LEED. (Eco-Business)
Employees
Google supports pressure group that says UK is held back by immigration rules
The UK’s fastest-growing start-ups need to be given special immigration visas if they are to have any chance of growing to the size of Google or Facebook, according to the Scale-Up Institute. The Institute was founded by investor Sherry Coutu and LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman, and is backed by Google and the London Stock Exchange. It argues that UK start-ups would have more chance of becoming global giants if they were able to hire talented programmers from wherever they happen to be in the world. At the moment this isn’t always possible due to immigration laws which prevent companies from hiring individuals outside Europe. The number of visas for foreign tech workers hit its maximum cap in June — leaving companies unable to recruit further. Speaking on a panel, Irene Graham, the incoming CEO at the Start-Up Institute, said: “We really want to see a scale-up visa coming in to help [fast-growing] companies get that quick access to talent.”(Business Insider)
Policy
Malaysia and Indonesia set up palm oil council
The plan to set up a Council of Palm Oil Producer Countries by Malaysia and Indonesia is an indication of the success of bilateral relations, said Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Razak. He said the council, which was proposed by both countries in 2006, has become a reality after the countries reached a consensus on its structure. The council will set new standards in the production of palm oil and cooperation on managing world stockpile, he said. “The setting up of the council is historical and significant for palm oil producing countries,” he told reporters after meeting Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Najib said Malaysia and Indonesia, which control 80 percent of world palm oil production, would invite other producing countries to join the council, which aims to stabilise the price and boost cooperation in the downstream sector. The prime minister said the council would also develop a green economy zone and boost the socio-economic development of smallholders. (Eco-Business)
Supply Chain
Greenpeace takes aim at Thai tuna firm, urges end to alleged abuses
Environmental activist group Greenpeace, has urged the world’s largest manufacturer of canned tuna, Thai Union Group, to free its supply chains of destructive fishing practices and alleged labor abuses. Thai Union makes the US ‘Chicken of the Sea’ and UK ‘John West’ brands, and counts Wal-Mart and Costco among buyers. Greenpeace warned that the fishing methods it employs, along with its suppliers, have serious environmental impacts and carry reputational risks. The campaign comes as Thailand faces pressure from the European Union to clean up illegal fishing practices or face a trade ban. It could also jeopardize Thai Union’s plan to acquire US rival Bumble Bee, which awaits approval from US antitrust authorities. Greenpeace said it would work to make “every single customer” aware of the alleged abuses, until Thai Union took responsibility and demonstrated real leadership. Last week, it launched a ranking of UK tuna brands, placing John West last. Thai Union said in a statement, “We call on Greenpeace to enter into an open and transparent dialogue with Thai Union so that together we can work towards achieving our shared objectives.” (Reuters)
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