Advertisement Trafigura stinks
October 1, 2009
Just to refresh your mind, the incident was about the illegal dumping of toxic waste in Côte d’Ivoire. Unloading this waste in Amsterdam was too expensive and therefore it was shipped to Abidjan. A local company then dumped it illegally, causing health problems for local residents.
In the advertisement Trafigura refers to a London High Court decision that says that the toxics cannot have caused the health problems, or casualties, as claimed in the media. The company shares its regret about “the trial by media” that it had to suffer over the last years. Trafigura has settled the case with the claimants, without accepting responsibility. It regrets the nuisance caused by the incident and believes the settlement is in line with its economical and societal commitment to the West-African region.
Why does this advertisement stink? Because the company does not at all reflect on the fact that the waste has ended up in Abidjan in the first place. Responsibility? Commitment to the region? Come on… A self proclaimed “renowned” company should know better. With this advertisement they are arranging for the next trial.
When you have painted yourself whiter-than-white, any trace of grey creates a stain. One day they might hope that this only caused a trace of grey….
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