Cash for containers announcement caused Coca-Cola to cancel Sprite Showers at Bondi
One activation went ahead at Surfers Paradise at the weekend
Coca-Cola pulled its Sprite Showers activation at Bondi beach two weekends ago because of the NSW State Government’s announcement about introducing a cash for containers scheme, it has confirmed.
The company has been a vocal opponent of cash for container schemes across Australia, even going as far as taking the Northern Territory government to court in 2013 over its scheme.
The activation, which sees showers disguised as a post-mix Sprite machine erected at beaches, had already been built and was due to run over the weekend of February 21, with the company telling Mumbrella at the time it had been pulled due to “unforeseen circumstances” beyond its control.
“Coke’s opposition to this scheme promotes environmental damage and takes away pocket money for children.” If I was the Government I would just spit out this line at every opportunity.
None of Coca Cola’s points are in the interest of anyone but themselves.
I agree with Matt’s comment above. Very cynical of Coca Cola.
Also why does any public space need to be commercialised like this? Showers exist at all public beaches. Whilst I appreciate the council must make a little coin by allowing these kinds of activations, do punters really need to have a large slice of a busy beach taken up for the benefit of the brand concerned. And do the brands factor in that not everyone appreciates these intrusions into public space when making these decisions? You upset as many people as you might positively dispose to your brand with the mayhem these activations tend to create.
Science tells us that state/s with the scheme have the lowest count of marine debris – specifically bottles, bottle tops and rings. It’s a no brainer. What a great PR opp for Coke to jump on board rather than resist. http://www.csiro.au/marine-debris
I agree with Matt & Joke, the community wants the deposit scheme, and has for a long time, if that upsets Coca Cola, so be it. Do we really need this style of promotion in our face, on the beach, almost every where you turn. I am happy the deposit scheme is at last on its way, about time.
you know it sounds a bit sappy but i’m really pleased about the bottle & can recycling scheme. 34,000 people on change.org and a massive groundswell of support looks (at this stage) like it has defeated coke’s army of lawyers.
i have never quite understood why CCA/any of the major drink companies are so against the idea of recycling schemes.. it just makes them look like the villains in that old tv show, captain planet.
Good
I am a life saver at North Bondi – when we’re out on the IRB we see quite a lot of plastic in the water and often it has a Coke brand written on it.