Corporate Citizenship Briefing 96: Controversial Industries

Among the highlights in CCB 96:

One major issue in Britain is the consumption of alcohol and the societal problems this can cause. Adnams, the Suffolk-based brewer and our profile in this edition, endeavours to show that the drinks industry can be sustainable – as long as it faces up to claims of irresponsible marketing practices and deals with this in an upfront way. The extractive industry is another sector, which is not controversy-free. In fact, it is probably the most targeted sector of all because its operations are so invasive and potentially damaging to the environment, people and politics of resource-rich regions. Diarmid O’Sullivan, of Global Witness, and Mark Wade, formerly of Shell, discuss this issue here. Further, Francesca Wakefield investigates the role of the pharmaceutical industry in responsibility. The sector, once hailed as one of the most honourable of all, is coming under increasing pressure for its high prices, court cases about patenting rights in developing countries, and its seemingly blasé attitude to marketing. And don’t miss the guest editorial from Toby Kent, who highlights some of the actions companies can take to change perceptions of controversy, and our Letter from America, which shows that even the ‘safest’ of businesses tread a thin line.