Dubai, January 10, 2023 – Aster Pharmacy, a key player in the GCC retail landscape and a part of Aster DM Healthcare Group, proudly declares its successful transition to zero-plastic usage over the last three years. In harmony with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2023, Aster Pharmacy’s pioneering initiative involves the integration of 7.4 million paper bags annually, supporting the nation’s commitment to combat plastic pollution.
Launched in 2020 as part of Aster DM Healthcare’s Green Choices initiative, Aster Pharmacy positioned itself as a trailblazer among pharmacy retail chains in the UAE by eliminating plastic usage. This commitment aligns with the broader UAE goal to reduce emissions to less than 100 kilowatts-hours, aligning with global sustainability objectives.
With a footprint of over 230 stores and an annual customer base of 8.7 million, Aster Pharmacy has actively embraced eco-friendly practices. Over the past five years, the company strategically introduced sustainable and recyclable materials in store interiors, culminating in the complete replacement of plastic bags with 7.4 million paper bags annually—a substantial step towards reducing plastic waste.
Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder & Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, underscores the company’s sustainability commitment, integrating 10 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into core operations. In FY’23 alone, the company achieved a remarkable reduction of 6,824 tCO2e in net greenhouse gas emissions. Recognized for ESG efforts, Aster holds the highest ESG ranking among listed healthcare companies in India, earning a ‘Strong’ rating from CRISIL.
Waste recycling initiatives at Aster include managing 76,555 kilograms of plastic waste, 446,977 kilograms of paper waste, and 5,506 kilograms of e-waste in the past year. The company prioritizes waste segregation at the source for efficient recycling.