Mercedes and Kingspan end their collaboration immediately after controversy

Mercedes' new sponsorship deal with British construction company Kingspan caused a stir when it was announced. The fierce criticism arose because of an ongoing investigation into the British construction company in connection with a major fire in 2017 at the Grenfell Tower in London. This fire killed 72 people. The insulation material that Kingspan supplied during the construction of the tower turned out to be highly flammable.

Mercedes and Kingspan end their collaboration

In a statement, Mercedes revealed that the a joint decision has been made with Kingspan to end the partnership with immediate effect. "Both parties have concluded that it is not appropriate for the partnership to continue at this time, despite its intended positive impact, and we have therefore agreed that the partnership will cease with immediate effect."

On that positive impact of the partnership with Kingspan, Mercedes says the following: "The partnership included Kingspan chairing a new Sustainability Working Group for the team, and aimed to deliver CO2 reductions through their leading sustainable solutions for the environment."

Kingspan responds to outcry

Kingspan has also issued a statement released on ending the partnership with Mercedes. "Sustainability and sport are two long-standing passions and commitments of Kingspan. When Mercedes approached us to chair their new Sustainability Working Group, we saw a unique opportunity to bring the two together in a way that would support a sport we love, while bringing sustainability to a global stage."

"We are well aware of the sensitivities that have arisen over the past few days, and therefore we have agreed together that it is not appropriate to proceed at this time." Kingspan also responded substantively to the investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire. "We had no role in the renovation of Grenfell Tower. However, our company Kingspan Insulation UK is a key participant in the Grenfell Tower investigation and fully supports the important work of the investigation."