Greenpeace to be HHCL’s ethical voice

Greenpeace has struck a deal with HHCL & Partners to advise the advertising agency’s clients on corporate ethics and the environment. In return, the agency will undertake communications work for the group.

But the pressure group insists HHCL’s connections to companies such as Monsanto, BNFL and Texaco through its client list and that of parent company Chime Communications, does not compromise the group’s independence.

Greenpeace’s campaigns director John Sauven insists his group must liaise with businesses in order to realise its environmental aims: “There is no company we don’t want to sit down and discuss options with. We are not worried about being used and haven’t signed this deal [with HHCL] to seal our lips,” says Sauven.

HHCL will work on communications projects for Greenpeace, which retains Burnett Associates for its direct mail work. Greenpeace will not be paid for the work it does for HHCL’s clients.