Qatar Duty Free kickstarts plan to beat plastic pollution on World Environment Day

By Kapila Ireland in Airports, Latest News, Middle East & Africa, People & Planet, Retail News June 5, 2023 0

The theme for World Environment Day theme 2023 is to Beat Plastic Pollution

Qatar Duty Free (QDF) is supporting this year's World Environment Day campaign to #BeatPlasticPollution by introducing reusable locally-sourced cotton bags in all eight Day-to-Day Essential Stores at Hamad International Airport.

The move kick starts QDF's plan, to replace 100,000 single-use plastic shopping bags monthly with the sustainable option, into action, thus taking its first step towards becoming a plastic-free, eco-friendly travel retailer.

The sustainable cotton shopping bags are reusable at least 500 times, vegan certified, and made from lightweight and locally sourced cotton.

Replacing single-use plastic bags is a significant step toward increasing the positive environmental impact at Hamad International Airport and staging QDF's position as a key player in promoting sustainability in the travel-retail industry.

Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice President Thabet Musleh said: "We are very proud of taking the first step towards transforming our shop floor into a sustainable space on World Environment Day. Sustainability is shaping the future of travel retail. As a key player in the industry, it is our responsibility to take the lead in promoting this initiative by adopting sustainable practices. Our step is the first amongst many significant decisions and actions we plan to take for a more sustainable and environmental-friendly retail experience. Sustainability has not only been a strong trend and is greatly discussed within the industry; however, it is now greatly desired and supported amongst travellers and duty free customers."

Hamad International Airport is also taking part in World Environment Day by reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Part of Hamad International Airport's environment sustainability goals consists of waste management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The airport is tackling its waste management processes, engaging with commercial stakeholders and government entities in order to adopt the best environmental standards that will have a positive impact on the environment.

Through an enhanced waste management system introduced by the airport, about 40% of the waste generated through the airport operations was reused or recycled in the fiscal year 2022 – 2023, including 736 tonnes of plastic waste, additionally the non-recyclable waste is used to produce electricity. The Oryx Airport Hotel, situated at departures has replaced plastic with more sustainable solutions with water containers created from 76% vegetable origin replacing plastic bottled water, introduced bamboo guestroom cards, utilizes recycled paper for all hotel collaterals and plastic hotel amenities substituted for more biodegradable materials.