Greenpeace targets "toxic" Apple

Protest over toxic components timed to coincide with Steve Jobs Macworld address

Greenpeace International rained on Apple's parade yesterday, staging a protest and projecting images of Asian scrapyards on the iconic computer maker’s retail store in San Francisco just as Steve Jobs was preparing to take the Macworld conference stage, according to reports.

The protest group also released an alternative take on Jobs' address, cutting together previous footage to make the Apple CEO appear to announce new policies that are friendly to the environment.

Among the highlights, Greenpeace has Jobs say: "We're going to give the customers what they want – and if what you want is a green apple, then a green apple is what you’re going to get!"

Apple might be the doyen of designers but it remains a pariah among certain environmental groups. Greenpeace has been a vociferous critic of the Californian giant, awarding it low rankings in its report on green electronics and recently launching a major campaign targeting what it claims is the firm's irresponsible use of toxic chemicals.

The latest protest further highlights the brand damage that can be inflicted on large global firms if they fail to embrace environmentally responsible business models.