Yes, but as long as there was public and political drive in that direction - even just the appearance of it - then the companies had to make some effort to look good.
Without the external pressure, then the pledge becomes worthless to the company, so they dispose of the expense.
To put it another way… the pledges become worthless if public sentiment does not force companies to maintain them.
The pledges were worthless to begin with, the only goal was to look good in the moment
Yes, but as long as there was public and political drive in that direction - even just the appearance of it - then the companies had to make some effort to look good.
Without the external pressure, then the pledge becomes worthless to the company, so they dispose of the expense.
To put it another way… the pledges become worthless if public sentiment does not force companies to maintain them.