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Tag: JC Decaux

  • IOAA, GroupM & JCDecaux to move the needle of sustainability in OOH

    IOAA, GroupM & JCDecaux to move the needle of sustainability in OOH

    MUMBAI: OOH is finally joining the sustainability bandwagon. GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, in collaboration with the Indian Outdoor Advertising Association (IOAA), has announced the formation of a dedicated task-force committee to advance sustainable practices within the out-of-home (OOH) advertising industry.

    The committee, comprising GroupM MD cinema, OOH and experiential marketing  Ajay Mehta, IOAA chairman Pawan Bansal and  JCDecaux Advertising India executive chairman Pramod Bhandula, is focused on guiding media owners in adopting sustainable practices. The committee’s ambitious target is to ensure that 50 per cent  of all advertising sites in India utilise recyclable materials by 2027.

    A three pronged thrust has been planned. First, in the area of digital OOH (DOOH) and power consumption, the second in the use use of fabric instead of flex materials and finally a recycling program for billboard waste. 

    To address the rise in power consumption from the transition to DOOH  advertising, the task force will prioritise the adoption of renewable energy, particularly solar power. The committee will develop a roadmap for transitioning OOH assets to renewable energy and enhancing cost efficiency through bulk procurement. 

    Additionally, the committee will explore alternative, sustainable materials such as fabric and polyethylene to replace traditional flex, aiming for options that are lightweight, weather-resistant, recyclable, and durable. Due diligence will be conducted to vet suppliers, and bulk deals will be negotiated to ensure a cost-neutral transition.

    A “Take Back Program” will also be introduced to recycle used billboard materials in partnership with non-profit organizations. This initiative aims to further minimize waste and encourage industry-wide accountability. The committee’s mission is to foster environmental responsibility among media owners and partners, ensuring the widespread adoption of sustainable practices. Insights from the World out of home organization (WOO) will also be leveraged to support global sustainability efforts within the OOH space.

    GroupM’s OOH Solutions team has already piloted sustainability initiatives with brands such as ICICI, Zepto, and Blinkit, using polyethylene fabric, showcasing actionable solutions that align with sustainable principles. 

    Mehta explained: “As leaders in the media industry, it is our responsibility to move the needle, inspire transformation, and ensure that sustainable practices become the norm rather than the exception. I truly believe that we should all do good while doing well, and this committee will strive to balance innovative advertising with environmental responsibility.”

    Bansal believes that “sustainability is the future of advertising and IOAA is committed to guiding media owners towards responsible, eco-friendly practices. This initiative will not only reshape the future of outdoor advertising but also set a benchmark for industries worldwide to follow in balancing growth with environmental stewardship.”

    According to  Bhandula, “sustainability is not just an option; it is a necessity for the future of our industry. At JCDecaux, we believe in driving positive change by embracing greener solutions that leave a lasting impact. This collaboration will propel the outdoor advertising sector towards a sustainable, innovative, and environmentally-conscious future.”

    (Picture courtesy: IOAA website)
     

  • You Broadband-Vodafone proposal accepted, Atria & Netmagic FDI cleared

    NEW DELHI: The government has accepted a proposal by Vodafone India Ltd for acquisition of 100% shares of M/s You Broadband India Limited by way of transfer from resident shareholders and non-resident shareholder. A 100% foreign owned company, Vodafone, will invest Rs 550.9 million as direct investment.

    The finance ministry, on the recommendation of the Foreign Investments Promotion Board, has also accepted a post facto proposal of You Broadband India Limited for acquisition of 9,79,875 equity shares of its downstream company Digital Outsourcing Private Limited (DOPL) in lieu of issue of 20,58,759 equity shares to its resident shareholders by way of swap of shares. This does not involve any fresh inflow of FDI.

    A proposal by Atria Convergence Technologies Private Limited for transfer of 0.99% of shares currently held by resident shareholders to the existing foreign investors Argan (Mauritius) Limited, Mauritius, and TA FVCI Investors Limited, Mauritius, and also for acquisition of up to 100% shares of the investee company by the foreign investors M/s Argan (Mauritius) Limited and TA FVCI Investors Limited, in future depending upon the exigencies of the remaining Indian resident shareholders. This will involve a fresh inflow of Rs 350 million in FDI.

    JC Decaux Advertising India Private Limited, an existing foreign owned company engaged in the activity of Out-of-Home advertising, has been permitted to bring in Rs 350 million for expansion of its business into telecom sector as a telecom infrastructure service provider.

    Netmagic Solutions Private Limited has been allowed to increase the foreign shareholding of the company from 81.63% to 100% by NTT Communications Corporation, Japan, with a fresh inflow of Rs 5.3383 billion FDI. FIPB has referred to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) a proposal by

    Flag Telecom Singapore Pte Limited, Singapore, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Communications, India, to acquire 100% shares of Reliance Global Cloud Xchange Limited. The amount involved as FDI is Rs 7.89 billion.

    (It may be recalled that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had in his budget on 1 February announced his proposal to scrap the FIPB.)