Courier services to switch to eco-friendly bags

Dubai: Courier services across the UAE have united to support Gulf News campaign urging people to say 'No to Plastic Bags'.

DHL Express, one of the world's leading logistics providers, announced last week that it was switching to eco-friendly courier bags. Aramex International and TCS Express are also in the process of introducing eco-friendly pouches for their dispatches.

Janet Jweihan, DHL Express Country Manager for the UAE, said: "We think the Gulf News campaign is a great initiative and one that we definitely support. It is a strong statement that will make the UAE population think about the environment."

DHL has introduced a new biodegradable material to replace plastic bags in its operations throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

"The biodegradable bags are an initiative that helps bring us one step closer to an environmentally-conscious community. We are also looking at other activities including the introduction of CNG-powered vehicles and the use of bicycles for deliveries," Jweihan said.

Hussain Hachem, Aramex International's Chief Executive Officer for the Gulf Region, told Gulf News that Aramex was in the final stages of introducing eco-friendly courier bags.

He said: "We definitely support the Gulf News campaign. Plastic pollutes the environment and every company should be taking action to move towards using alternative resources. It is important the paper continues this worthwhile campaign."

Jamil Janjua, Chief Executive Officer for TCS Express Worldwide, said TCS would promote the Gulf News campaign in its customer newsletter Connect in a bid to enhance awareness among employees in the commercial sector.