Aswaaq, Unilever collaborate on a sustainable initiative

UAE-based shopping mall and supermarket operator Aswaaq has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Unilever with an aim to reduce the former’s environmental footprint at both operational and consumer levels.

The MoU was signed by Affan Al Khoori, deputy CEO of Aswaaq, and Emad Helwa, Unilever’s director for the UAE and Oman. Aswaaq’s sustainability agenda entails developing projects targeting a reduction in the consumption of water and energy, production and disposal of waste throughout its various sites, in addition to a number of onsite initiatives across their seven shopping malls and nine supermarkets in Dubai.

“This MoU is part of our strategic plan to further develop our corporate social responsibility programmes, in addition to collaborating with Unilever to promote sustainability,” says Affan Al Khoori. “The sustainability agenda will target changes in behaviour through employee engagement initiatives and consumer awareness campaigns that ensure long-term energy and water savings.”

“We are proud to be working with influential partners in the retail industry who have the same mind-set as us. If we are to achieve transformational change we need more concerted effort and long-term partnerships within and between the public and private sectors,” says Emad Helwa, Unilever’s country director for UAE and Oman. “This MoU is a fundamental step towards building the right network of sustainability partners that will help Unilever achieve its long-term vision of doubling the size of the business and halving its environmental impact.”

Aswaaq’s in-store activations will include a student smart shopper programme, school partnership programmes and campaigns to celebrate Earth Day and Global Handwashing Day, in addition to initiatives including collecting and recycling old batteries.