Carrefour’s efforts to reduce plastic consumption

French grocery retailer Carrefour – for which Majid Al Futtaim owns exclusive franchise rights in 38 countries – announced a range of initiatives as a call to action motivated by International Plastic Bag Free Day on July 3.

Shoppers at 28 Carrefour hypermarkets throughout the UAE and select supermarkets can avail of a two-for-one offer on reusable eco-bags. Priced at AED2.75, the bags come with a lifetime guarantee and will be replaced free-of-charge at the customer’s request. To help customers get into the habit of bringing their eco-bags with them on every grocery trip, Carrefour will be introducing a dedicated “Green Checkout” counter as a pilot project in hypermarkets located in City Centres Mirdif, Me’aisem, & Deira and Mall of the Emirates with more branches expected to follow suit by the end of 2018.

Efforts to provide plastic free alternatives extend to the Carrefour’s online platform as well. On a trial basis all orders placed via Carrefour’s online site and delivered on July 3, arrived in bio-based bags produced by Avani, a supplier that aims to address the world’s growing plastic concerns using innovative technology. The cassava-based bags are non-toxic, contain zero petroleum elements, certified non-GMO and are biodegradable within months of being disposed.

Carrefour has a proven track record of running green friendly campaigns. Earlier in June, to mark the International Environment Day, the company gave away over 500 complimentary eco-bags across its hypermarket network and sparked productive debate on the topic of plastic bags on social media.

“The issue of plastic bags harming our environment is one that requires careful consideration. In fact, every year an estimated one trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. At Carrefour, we pride ourselves on being part of the solution and hope that by introducing such initiatives we can help inspire consumers to take a stand so that together we can contribute to a greener earth,” says Miguel Povedano, COO and head of operational excellence of Carrefour UAE at Majid Al Futtaim – Retail.