Statement on the decision of the Zurich municipal council regarding the demanded restrictions on out-of-home advertising 

Goldbach Neo is committed to the coordinated and regulated use of out-of-home advertising. However, the current legislation is sufficient and we do not consider the decision on motion GR No. 2024/178 to be constructive for the further development of the city of Zurich.

As one of the largest marketers of out-of-home advertising, we recognise the importance of a well-thought-out discussion about the role of advertising in the city of Zurich. We prioritise measures to improve sustainability and the cityscape and are convinced that, when used responsibly, advertising makes a positive contribution to the local economy, cultural vibrancy and access to information – at both the political and societal level.

We recognise the concerns highlighted in the motion regarding the environmental impact and quality of public space and would like to actively engage in this dialogue. However, as Goldbach Neo, we advocate solutions that reconcile these considerations with the clear advantages and cost-effectiveness of out-of-home advertising. Out-of-home is one of the most environmentally friendly media types in comparison and only records 55 grams of CO2 emissions per 1000 contacts (source: Green GRP). 

Specifically, 63% of all out-of-home advertising customers are SMEs, non-profit organisations receive around CHF 47 million in free poster volume from out-of-home advertising companies every year, and 60 cents of every franc of gross revenue invested in out-of-home advertising goes back to the public sector and its infrastructure. The contribution of the out-of-home advertising companies and their business activities to the city of Zurich is estimated at around CHF 28 million.