CINCINNATI (AP) - Greenpeace activists using a zip line Tuesday unfurled two giant banners on the two towers of Procter & Gamble Co. headquarters in downtown Cincinnati.
The environmental organization said the 60-foot banners were in protest of the consumer products company’s use of palm oil from a supplier Greenpeace said is linked to tropical forest destruction in Indonesia. Among those using the zip line was a person wearing a tiger suit, representing endangered Sumatran tigers.
Cincinnati police said they arrested nine protesters. Sgt. Julian Johnson said they were being held initially on charges including vandalism and burglary, but were still being questioned Tuesday afternoon.
A P&G spokesman said the protest ended peacefully, and that the company is committed to achieving 100 percent sustainable sourcing of its palm oil by 2015.
Palm oil is commonly used in shampoos, cosmetics and other products.
“P&G prides itself on being innovative,” said Joao Talocchi, of Greenpeace’s palm oil campaign. But he said in a statement that other major consumer products makers are avoiding “dirty” palm oil, “leaving P&G trailing behind.”
“We agree that deforestation is a significant issue, which is why we are committed to the sustainable sourcing of palm oil,” P&G spokesman Paul Fox said in a statement. “… We will continue to drive that goal with urgency.”
Fox said the company’s primary concerns Tuesday were with the safety of employees and protesters, and with the security of its facilities. He said the matter is now in the hands of law enforcement.
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