Retailers Ready for Dubai’s Single-Use Bag Ban
Dubai retailers are prepared for the total ban on all single-use bags starting June 1. This ban, part of a broader policy to eliminate single-use products by 2026, stops shops from providing single-use plastic bags for 25 fils and bans all single-use bags.
Enforcement and Penalties
Starting June 1, violators will face a Dh200 fine. Repeat offenders within a year will see penalties double, up to a maximum of Dh2,000. Single-use bags under 57 microns are included in the ban.
Retailers’ Transition Plans
Union Coop: Dr. Suhail Al Bastaki, Director of Corporate Communication at Union Coop, stated that all 27 outlets in Dubai will comply by offering reusable cloth bags and other eco-friendly options starting June 1.
Spinneys: Warwick Gird, General Manager of Marketing, said Spinneys removed single-use shopping bags in mid-2022. They introduced bags made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials, which are reusable, recyclable, and cost Dh1. Spinneys also rewards customers with 25 fils off their shopping bill for bringing reusable bags.
Al Maya Group: Kamal Vachani, Partner and Group Director, confirmed a shift to multi-use paper bags available in two sizes. Customers can bring their own bags or purchase these new bags.
Lulu Group: Nandakumar V, Director of Marketing and Communications, said Lulu has already switched to reusable plastic bags. The group offers various reusable bags made of cloth, jute, and recycled materials, priced between 25 fils and Dh7. Lulu educates customers on reusable bags through campaigns and plans to incentivize their use with additional loyalty points.
Shua Al Madina Supermarkets: Manager Subair ACK stated that the stores have transitioned to thicker reusable plastic bags. The 25 fils tariff on single-use plastic bags has already reduced their usage and customer complaints about extra charges.
Packaging Sector’s Response
Hotpack Global: Abdul Jebbar PB, Group Managing Director, highlighted that 97% of Hotpack’s products are already sustainable. The company focuses on reusable, recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable products, continuously developing new eco-friendly technologies.
Dubai’s move to ban single-use bags marks a significant step towards environmental sustainability, with retailers and the packaging sector leading the way.