Today, Spinneys launched its range of limited edition tote bags made from upcycled single-use plastic bags, in collaboration with sustainable artist Peahead Eco.
Available at select stores across the country, the sustainable bags are ethically handmade by local creators in Ajman and feature sustainably sourced cork leather.
“Peahead Eco is thrilled to partner with Spinneys as we work together to encourage a more sustainable future,” said Christine Iris Wilson, owner of Peahead Eco.
“The launch of the bag is not only about encouraging the local community to use reusable bags when they shop in the store but also to think consciously about the materials they purchase.
“While zero-waste remains a daily challenge, every little action that each of us takes can make a difference. By upcycling materials, we aim to give everything a second chance – avoiding landfill – to be loved again.”
The launch aligns with Spinneys’ goal to eliminate single-use plastic bags across all its UAE stores, amid the rise of reusable shopping bags and sustainability globally.
“Spinneys is dedicated to supporting the growth of the circular economy in the UAE, which is why we back the UAE’s single-use policy and are going the extra step to enforce the removal of single-use plastic followed by paper bags across all our stores,” said Sophie Corcut, sustainability manager at Spinneys.
In keeping with this goal, Spinneys is deducting 25 fils from total bills of shoppers who bring reusable bags to stores.
The reward aims to prompt shoppers to consciously practice sustainability and join in the retailer’s eco-friendly efforts.
“We will continue to introduce rewards and initiatives to help our customers adopt an eco-friendlier way of living too, like our new premium shopper in collaboration with Peahead Eco.”
From July 1, Spinneys will rid its Dubai stores of plastic, biodegradable plastic, plant-based biodegradable and paper bags.
“Sustainability lies at the heart of Spinneys’ business strategy and we are committed to supporting the national target to completely ban all disposable bags in the UAE by 2024,” added Ms Corcut.
The announcements follow the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s measures to ban single-use plastics at retailers’ checkouts, which was implemented today.
Across its Abu Dhabi stores, Spinneys will introduce single-use paper bags at checkout on July 1.
Spinneys’ upcoming initiatives complement the retailer’s Let’s Close the Loop campaign, which aims to promote circular waste management.
In March, the campaign saw the retailer introduce reversible vending machines to its sustainable branch at Layan Community, for shoppers to deposit used plastic bottles.
