QATAR. Qatar Duty Free has marked World Environment Day by replacing plastic bags with reusable cotton shopping bags at all eight Day2Day travel essentials stores at Hamad International Airport.

The travel retailer recently pledged to replace 100,000 single-use plastic shopping bags monthly with reusable branded sustainable shopping bags. The cotton shopping bags are reusable at least 500 times, vegan certified, and made from lightweight and locally sourced cotton.

Qatar Duty Free is thereby taking its first steps towards becoming a plastic-free, eco-friendly travel retailer, and is also honouring this year’s World Environment Day campaign, #BeatPlasticPollution. The company noted: “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.”

Making a powerful statement: Day2Day stores promote the sustainability message on World Environment Day

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 among 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; it is now greatly desired and supported among travellers and duty free customers.” ✈

*Note: Today is World Environment Day and to celebrate the occasion Mondelez World Travel Retail has partnered with The Moodie Davitt Report for a month-long social media campaign that encourages travel retail industry stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices. Click here for more.