Hamburg, 2 August 2017. The United Nations held its first Ocean Conference this year. More than 190 member states declared various measures to protect the oceans. At the beginning of this year, Gebr. Heinemann and OceanCare launched a joint initiative to reduce plastic waste in the world's oceans. By paying a contribution of 30 cents for each single-use disposable bag at all 14 German and Austrian Heinemann Duty Free sites, passengers from all over the world are made aware of the environmental pollution issue. As a more environmentally friendly alternative to the plastic bag, passengers can purchase reusable bags with a 50 per cent recycling part for 2 euros. These are ideal for use as shopping bags for holiday purchases or beach bags.
Heinemann Duty Free customers are happy to give up using plastic bags
Passengers have been very accommodating of the change seen in the Heinemann Duty Free shops and are happy to give up single-use disposable bags. As a result, the number of plastic bags sold has fallen by some 50 per cent, while sales of reusable bags have increased by around 180 per cent.
OceanCare uses resources for marine life rescue projects and to reduce plastic waste
"Our aim was to massively reduce the use of plastic bags. However, we know that customers in the Heinemann Duty Free shops enjoy making spontaneous purchases and need additional options for carrying them. By cooperating with OceanCare, we are raising our customers' awareness of the problems that exist in our oceans and are ensuring that the proceeds we receive through the sale of plastic bags go towards protecting our seas," says co-owner Claus Heinemann. In the first half of 2017, a total of 55,000 euros was collected from all participating Heinemann sites for OceanCare projects.
The donation is being invested in areas including the rescue of marine animals and environmental education. For many years, OceanCare has been supporting, for example, the British Divers for Marine Life Rescue, a world leading stranding network for seals, dolphins and whales. OceanCare also raises public awareness around the globe about rethinking how to deal with single-use plastic items. Actions taken by OceanCare include the joint project initiated with the Majorcan organisation Ondine, to develop a three-day education model in Majorca's state schools. As well as the theoretical principles regarding the problem of plastic pollution, students will also get involved in cleaning up beaches. "Every year, some nine million tonnes of plastic waste are released into the oceans. If this continues, by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish swimming in the sea. Gebr. Heinemann has recognised the sign of the times. By reducing single-use disposable bags and supporting our projects, the company is making a significant contribution to protecting the world's oceans," states Vera Bürgi, Managing Director of OceanCare.
Other Heinemann Duty Free Shops to follow suit
The project is already a success for marine conservation. For this reason, following the pilot phase in Germany and Austria, it will also be rolled out in the medium term to other international Heinemann Duty Free sites. “Due to the positive reception of these measures by our customers in Germany and Austria, we are currently looking to extend this to other Heinemann shops throughout the EU. In connection with this, we are also working on a fashionable, reusable bag, to be made available at all Heinemann sites in the second half of 2017. We hope this will enable us to convince even more of our customers to use reusable bags, thus further reducing the use of plastic bags,” says Jens Wolf, Director Retail Sales Europe at Gebr. Heinemann.
About OceanCare
The Swiss non-governmental organisation has campaigned for sea creatures and the oceans worldwide since 1989. Using research and protection projects, environmental educational campaigns as well as intensive input in international bodies, the organisation is taking concrete steps towards the improvement of living conditions in the world's oceans. OceanCare has been recognised by the United Nations Economic and Social Council as a special adviser on marine conservation. The organisation is also part of the UNEP Global Partnership on Marine Litter.
Press Contact:
Julia Grobecker
Corporate Communications
+49 40 3010 2186
For questions on the subject of marine conservation:
OceanCare / Vera Bürgi
Managing Director
+41 44 780 66 88
