Consumers

Consumer interest growing

Three-quarters (74%) of people across the world are interested in learning more about corporate social responsibility initiatives, according to the 2003 CSR Monitor, recently published by Environics. The survey of 1,000 average citizens in 21 different countries around the world finds that more than four out of ten (43%) people believe that large companies should do more than give money to solve social problems. The survey shows an increase in the proportion of consumers that report having punished a company they perceive as socially irresponsible from 20% in 2001 up to 29% in 2002. Contact Chris Coulter, Environics, on 00 1 416 920 9010 (http://www.environicsinternational.com)

So get talking

Businesses and brands will need to give social responsibility a greater role in communications if they are to engage the public in the 21st century, according to a survey published by MORI on May 13. The poll finds that the proportion of consumers to whom the social responsibility of a company is important has nearly doubled between 1998-2002. Yet while four-fifths of the public believes that large companies have a moral responsibility to society, the majority of the public also believes that large companies "don't really care" about the long-term environmental and social impact of their actions. Contact Jenny Dawkins, MORI, on 020 7347 3000 (http://www.mori.com)

Food facts

More than eight out of ten (82%) Britons want food advertisements aimed at children banned, and a similar number (79%) thinks that food manufacturers are irresponsible, a Guardian poll on May 10 finds. Fewer than four out of ten (39%) trust supermarkets as a source of information about food safety, in contrast with food scientists (57%) and consumer groups (78%).

However, the British Retail Consortium says the retail industry is at the forefront of encouraging a healthy life style among consumers in a new report into healthy eating, Eat Well, Drink Well, published on May 8. The consortium is also calling on the Food Standards Agency to launch a campaign to inform the public about the dangers of adding too much salt to food, it announced on May 15. The group says retailers want more to be done to inform the public about the dangers of high levels of salt in their diet. Contact David Smith, BRC, on 020 7854 8920 (http://www.brc.org.uk)

Cost of ethics

The Co-operative Bank lost £4.38m worth of business in 2002 from companies it turned down on ethical and environmental grounds, it was announced on May 6. For the first time the bank has revealed the amount of income lost as a result of its refusal to provide banking services or loans to companies involved in arms dealing, animal testing, exploitative labour practices and nuclear power. The bank believes that a third of all new personal customers open accounts because of its ethical principles. Contact Dave Smith, The Co-operative Bank, on 0161 829 5522 (http://www.cooperativebank.co.uk)

Campaign complaints

Advertising campaigns by Unilever, Bestfood UK, United International Pictures and McDonald's provoked the highest number of complaints last year, according to the Advertising Standards annual report published on May 1. The ASA also reports taking action to stop misleading health claims made by Tetley Tea. Complaints about nonbroadcast ads increased by more than a tenth (10.8%) from the previous year and there was a ten-fold increase in complaints about ads sent by text message. Contact Claire Forbes, ASA, on 020 7580 5555 (http://www.asa.org.uk)

Fast food animal standards

KFC is introducing new standards to ensure humane treatment for its birds from hatchery to slaughterhouse, it announced on May 2. The move follows worldwide demonstrations at KFC restaurants organised by campaign group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. McDonald's is also stepping up its animal welfare record, announcing the completion of 500 onsite animal welfare audits in 2002. Contact Amy Sherwood, Yum! Brands, on 00 1 502 874 8200 (http://www.yum.com); Communications Department, McDonalds, on 0208 700 7000 (http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk)

Responsible drinking push

Drinks industry watchdog, the Portman Group, is calling for better enforcement of under-age alcohol sale and purchase laws, particularly by retailers. The group has re-launched its proof of age card to incorporate a hologram logo, making it virtually impossible to forge, to be in circulation from June 2. On May 20 the group upheld a complaint against the branded vodka drink, fcuk Spirit, judging that the brand would appeal too strongly to under-18s. The product will be withdrawn from sale and retailers will be told not to stock it. Contact Portman Group, on 020 7907 3700 (http://www.portman-group.org.uk)

Natural beauty

Marks & Spencer is the first major high street retailer to launch its own organic beauty range. The company worked closely with suppliers to ensure that all the products in the Organic Extracts range adhere to strict organic standards, and all the natural ingredients are certified as organic. The products contain a minimum of 70% organic material, contain no GM ingredients, and are not derived from or tested on animals.

Marks & Spencer is also working with children's charities Kidscape and the NSPCC to create a child-friendly brafitting service for girls under the age of 16. The NSPCC has provided diagrams for customers with English language difficulties, a Braille version of the fitting procedure for blind or partially sighted customers, and an audiotape for the hard of hearing. Contact Ed Williams, M&S, on 020 7935 4422 (http://www.marksandspencer.co.uk)

in brief

Somerfield is the first UK supermarket to launch degradable carrier bags on a national basis. Supported by the Soil Association, Somerfield is marking the launch with a challenge to fashion students at Manchester Metropolitan University to make an eco-friendly fashion statement. Contact Pete Williams, Somerfield, on 0117 935 7281 (http://www.somerfield.plc.uk)

Mothers Union is the latest charity to launch a fundraising credit card in association with The Co-operative Bank. Launched on April 22, the bank will donate £5 for every new account opened, £10 if the card is used in the first six months, and 25p for every £100 spent. Contact Paul Monaghan, The Co-operative Bank, on 0161 832 3456 (http://www.cooperativebank. co.uk)