Sponsors hit back over Greenpeace report

Coca-Cola denied accusations that its aim to deploy 100,000 climate-friendly refrigerators by 2010 was, in a global context, little more than a token effort.

In a statement to Media, the world's largest drinks giant, noted: "We recognised that there is more to do and our intention is to move all of our purchases of cold drink equipment towards being HFC-free over time. But it is very difficult for companies like ours to buy more climate-friendly coolers until the price comes down, and the price won't come down until other companies than us buy more."

Lenovo took issue with Greenpeace's focus on "select attributes of Lenovo's environmental program" after the NGO accused the world's third-largest PC-maker of reneging on a commitment to phase out toxic chemicals PVC and BFRs from its products by the end of 2009.

Citing its long term, comprehensive approach, it commented: "With respect to toxic [materials such as PVC and BFR], Lenovo supports the principle of a precautionary approach to materials selection. We will remove materials of concern and use acceptable alternatives when they are identified."

Panasonic also came under fire for failing remove toxic chemicals. The Japanese electronics insisted some of the materials required for high reliability and safety", adding: "We are committed to eliminating PVC within the internal wiring of all new products by the end of March 2011."

Haier was credited for promoting prototypes of climate-friendly air conditioners at the Olympics, but criticised as most of its AC units rely on climate-changing refrigerants.

The world's fourth largest white goods company, noted that the cooling systems for air-con products are still in research and development’, adding that it would introduce the green products it was using in the Olympic arenas to the general public in China.

Samsung, Yili and McDonald's, sponsors which also received criticism from Greenpeace, declined to comment.