SBS Sustainability Challenge brand shortlist

By AdNews | 17 April 2025

Adam Liaw

Five brands have been shortlisted for the SBS Media Sustainability Challenge: Australian Ethical, Fresh Select/Nutri V, the NRMA, OzHarvest Ventures and Southern Seagreens.

Finalists will now proceed to formal pitching before a winner is decided.

The SBS Media Sustainability Challenge is an initiative offering brands and agencies $500,000 in free advertising inventory for the best TV creative normalising sustainable behaviour and highlighting better environmental consumer practices.

The winning ad will also receive consulting services and training through Sustainable Screens Australia to help ensure the advertisement meets best practice for sustainable production.

A judging panel of industry experts whittled down the contenders from across Australia, traversing several different industries.

The jury was made up of: Adam Liaw, host of SBS’s The Cook Up with Adam Liaw and Co-Chair of Sustainable Screens Australia; Jane Palfreyman, SBS Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer (Chair); John Pabon, Sustainability Author and Consultant at Fulcrum Strategic Advisors; Abigail Thomas, SBS Head of Sustainability; and Kate Young, National Manager CulturalConnect at SBS.

SBS national manager CulturalConnect Kate Young congratulated the shortlisted brands.

"We were impressed with the level of creativity and consideration put into their submissions which showcased how their brand or product is normalising sustainable consumer behaviours," Young said.

“The shortlist for the Sustainability Challenge represents the best of the crop in terms of authenticity and innovation, how compelling the creative is to the consumer, creative excellence, and a sustainable production approach which makes sure brands walk the walk as well as talk the talk.

“We are thrilled at the huge interest brands and agencies have had in the Challenge, which we hope will drive change to increasingly prioritise sustainability in the industry. Ultimately that is good for the planet, good for audiences and good for business.”

Entrants to SBS Media’s Sustainability Challenge submitted an idea for a 30-second television script with a detailed rationale on how it aimed to normalise sustainable practices.

Central themes explored by each shortlisted candidate were superannuation investments (Australian Ethical), food waste (Fresh Select/Nutri V and OzHarvest Ventures), electric vehicles (the NRMA) and seaweed farming (Southern Seagreens).

A winner will be announced later in the year.

Shortlisted brands and agencies:

  • Australian Ethical
  • Fresh Select / Nutri V (Agency: Spinach)
  • The NRMA
  • OzHarvest Ventures
  • Southern Seagreens

Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au

Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.