Oatly, the world’s largest producer of oat milk, has begun placing a new climate‑action message on its cartons. The side of each carton now carries a banner from the “89 Percent Project,” a campaign run by the nonprofit journalism group Covering Climate Now.

Message backed by global survey

The campaign cites a 2024 study published in Nature Climate Change that surveyed nearly 130,000 people in 125 countries. The research found that 89% of respondents want their governments to step up on climate change.

Oatly’s senior sustainability director, Caroline Reid, said the company sees the messaging as a natural extension of its mission to provide plant‑based alternatives and to encourage broader societal change. The cartons debuted in Sweden and have already reached Belgium and Germany, with a U.S. rollout slated for January.

Trump administration’s response

President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called climate change a “con job” and labeled renewable‑energy initiatives a “green scam,” dismissed the campaign’s premise during the 2025 U.N. General Assembly. His criticism reflects the administration’s broader opposition to policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

Despite the president’s remarks, Oatly argues that companies have a responsibility not only to shrink their own environmental footprints but also to use their platforms to promote a sustainable future.

Journalistic partnership under scrutiny

Covering Climate Now’s collaboration with Oatly has sparked debate about the line between advocacy and journalism. Critics such as Clay Calvert, a First Amendment scholar at the University of Florida, warn that such partnerships could lead to self‑censorship or overly favorable coverage of corporate partners.

Supporters, including Mark Hertsgaard, executive director of Covering Climate Now, contend that the project simply amplifies a widely held public desire for climate action and that no money has changed hands between the nonprofit and Oatly.

What this means for consumers

For shoppers, the new cartons serve as a reminder that a substantial majority of people worldwide support stronger climate policies. Oatly hopes the visible cue will inspire individuals to demand more from their elected officials, even as the current administration continues to question the science behind climate change.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.