SPAIN/INTERNATIONAL. Dufry has collaborated with Oceana, the largest international advocacy organisation focused solely on ocean conservation, to offer reusable bags made from 100% recycled plastic bottles in its stores, as an alternative to single-use bags. The retailer said the initiative forms an important part of its commitment to the fight against climate change.
The eco-friendly bags will be available initially in Dufry stores in Spain, and soon at shops in airports across 21 other countries.
To celebrate this agreement, Dufry and Oceana presented the alliance at an event yesterday at Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Dufry Global Marketing Director Augusto Deymonnaz and Director for Spain Ángeles Montesdeoca were joined by Oceana Senior Director of Development and Innovation for Oceana in Europe María Pérez.
Also present was Oceana Senior Advisor Alexandra Cousteau, an environmental activist, National Geographic Emerging Explorer, filmmaker and world-renowned advocate for water issues.
Cousteau is continuing the work of her world-famous grandfather Jacques Cousteau and father Philippe Cousteau Sr. Dufry noted that she is aiming to inspire and empower people to protect not only the ocean and its inhabitants, but also the human communities that depend on freshwater resources.
Augusto Deymonnaz said: “At Dufry we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of the ecosystem. Being the global organisation that we are – serving customers from all over the world – we have a great opportunity to lay the foundations and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our planet, with actions that are within our reach, such as reducing the use of single-use bags.
“That is why we have chosen to work with Oceana, reinforcing part of the company’s ESG objectives and Destination 2027 strategy, which outlines Dufry’s commitment to sustainability as one of the company’s four growth pillars over the next five years.”
Dufry will allocate 100% of profits from the bags to Oceana’s marine habitats campaign, which aims to preserve 30% of the marine surface. Funds from the initiative will contribute to the protection of marine areas and endangered species. The two companies have also pledged to collaborate on future projects.
Dufry’s sustainability commitment
In announcing the new initiative, Dufry underlined its commitment to protecting the environment and advancing its ESG strategy with the aim of positively influencing the environmental impact of the business through the responsible use of natural resources and the optimisation of waste management, including a reduction in the use of plastics.
Dufry also stated that it intends to achieve climate neutrality in its own operations by 2025, reduce GHG emissions from transport by -28% by 2030 and has committed more than three quarters of its suppliers to having SBTi (science-based targets) objectives.
In addition to the collaboration with Oceana, Dufry highlighted other projects in line with its sustainability strategy, including, as reported, the recent introduction of its Mind.Body.Soul. concept.
This new retail format offers a range of healthy foods and other sustainable personal care products, which, in addition to promoting a sense of wellbeing, are respectful of the environment. The concept is currently available in Bali, Brazil, Cambodia, Jordan, Mexico and Switzerland, and will soon be available in other locations.
In 2021, the company implemented a Sustainable Product Identification (SPI) system in its stores. This selection of products is signposted to highlight the relevant sustainability criteria associated with them.
Last year, this initiative was rolled out globally to 167 stores in 126 locations worldwide, including a selection of 675 sustainable products corresponding to all product categories, from 20 different suppliers. 
