In line with Abu Dhabi’s ban on single-use plastic bags, UAE retailer Spinneys has gone one step further to announce that it will implement the ban in all its UAE stores. The ban will come into effect in Dubai from July 1, 2022.

Spinneys is committed to leading on environmental and social initiatives and believes that everyone must work together to reduce single-use shopping bags. Spinneys’ view is that single-use bags are unnecessary as there are so many reusable alternatives available.

Helping customers to embrace the change, Spinneys will also reward shoppers for reusing, by giving customers 25 fils off their total grocery bill every time they bring a bag back to store with them when they shop. This is as opposed to charging 25 fils to use a disposable plastic bag. The retailer hopes this will incentivise its customers to consciously move towards the use of reusable bags only. As part of Spinneys’ action plan, the retailer has launched a new range of reusable bags. Spinneys has partnered with Peahead Eco – a Dubai-based award-winning sustainable artist – to develop a bespoke, premium tote bag made from 100% sustainable materials and upcycled Spinneys plastic bags.

Designed to be a multi-purpose statement tote bag, the limited-edition shopper has been ethically handmade by local craftspeople in Ajman using up-cycled single-use Spinneys bags and even sustainably sourced and harvested cork leather. The bags are exclusively sold in Spinneys and are available in select stores from June 1st.