SOUTH KOREA. Lotte Duty Free has from today (14 September) introduced reusable tarpaulin bags to replace disposable plastics such as conventional plastic bags and bubble wrap used for packaging duty free goods.
Tarpaulin – often used as a material to cover cars – is made of polypropylene, a material that is not harmful to the environment, can be recycled and has excellent durability.
The travel retailer has produced five sizes of tarpaulin packaging materials according to the type and size of the product, with added cushioning material inside to protect goods.
However, for fragile products such as cosmetics, perfume and alcoholic beverages, a small amount of bubble wrap and paper packaging is still used to prevent damage.
Lotte Duty Free said that the introduction of the tarpaulin bags is expected to reduce more than 80% of the disposable plastic waste generated at its airport delivery hall annually. It also claims that the switch will increase logistics efficiency, bringing approximately 41% cost savings.
Lotte Duty Free said it is also expanding its eco-friendly management infrastructure and carrying out various activities to create a sustainable earth based on the slogan of ‘Duty 4 Earth’.
This includes the installation of additional solar power facilities and an expanded operation of electric vehicles. Such measures are spurring activities to reduce fossil fuel waste and secure carbon credits.
Lotte Duty Free started the construction of a solar power generation facility at its second integrated logistics centre, located in Yeongjong Island, Incheon, last August.
The travel retailer has also been using eco-friendly electricity since last November by operating outdoor solar power facilities at its first integrated logistics centre.
When additional solar power facilities are completed, a total of 875 tonnes of carbon emissions will be reduced per year across the logistics centres.
In addition, the introduction of electric vehicles that transport duty free goods between logistics centres, downtown stores and airport stores has brought about a range of environmental protection effects. These include reducing greenhouse gases by 27 tonnes per year and the generation of fine dust by 13 kg per year.
Lotte Duty Free CEO Kap Lee said: “Lotte Duty Free is working hard to incorporate eco-friendly elements into all business areas.”
Lotte Duty Free established the ESG Value Pursuit Committee for the first time in the domestic duty free industry in March last year and declared an ESG management vision of “the most trusted travel partner”.
In addition to eco-friendly activities, social contribution activities centred on local tourism and assisting small businesses are being carried out.
