P&G tightens security after banners hung

CINCINNATI - Procter & Gamble Co. has tightened security at its Cincinnati headquarters after a breach that allowed a protest by Greenpeace activists this week, a spokesman said Thursday.

Using zip lines, nine environmental activists unfurled huge banners from the 12th floor of P&G’s corporate offices Tuesday, criticizing the consumer product company’s use of palm oil from a supplier that Greenpeace says is tied to tropical forest destruction in Indonesia. Authorities were stunned that the activists were able to carry out their protest from inside a company known for stringent security to protect both its personnel and innovations in bestselling brands such as Tide detergent and Pampers diapers.

“Our global security team is crackerjack, and they have already taken steps to better secure the area,” spokesman Lisa Popyk said.

But she did provide new details on how the protesters gained entry. She said the company determined from its initial investigation that one activist claimed to have an appointment.

Dressed in unobtrusive business clothes, he then let in the others through another door, she said. They carried their protest materials, including a tiger costume, in what Popyk called “inconspicuous bags.”