Iceland’s Banned TV Christmas Advert... Say hello to Rang-tan.

Iceland's banned TV Christmas advert, which was released in 2018, introduced a character named Rang-tan, an animated orangutan who becomes the focal point of the campaign. The ad, created in partnership with the environmental charity Greenpeace, aimed to raise awareness about the destruction of rainforests due to palm oil production, which is often used in food products.

The ad follows a young girl who befriends Rang-tan, who has taken refuge in her room after being displaced from her natural habitat. Through the narrative, the ad highlights the devastating impact of palm oil plantations on orangutans and other wildlife in Southeast Asia. The ad ends with a powerful message urging people to consider the environmental cost of palm oil and calling for more sustainable sourcing.

Despite its poignant message, Iceland's ad was banned from airing on UK television by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The ban was due to the ad's direct association with political issues, as it was seen to be promoting a political stance regarding environmental and agricultural practices. Although it was not allowed to run on TV, the ad went viral on social media, garnering widespread attention and praise for its environmental message.

The Rang-tan campaign became a symbol of Iceland's commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, and it sparked important conversations about the impact of consumer choices on the environment.