Earlier this year, Dubai Duty Free introduced the Suber Sleeve, a protective liquor bottle sleeve made from sustainably sourced cork, in partnership with Dubai-headquartered Innonature Packaging Solutions. The launch was reported by The Moodie Davitt Report on 2 February.
The Suber Sleeve is designed as an alternative to plastic, paper and synthetic foam packaging commonly used in travel retail. According to The Moodie Davitt Report, the product is lightweight, stretchable and moisture-resistant, providing protection for bottles while remaining recyclable and made from a regenerative material. The sleeve also stores flat to optimise space and can be customised for branding.
Dubai Duty Free Senior Vice President – Retail Michael Schmidt said: “The Suber Sleeve is a welcome addition for our customers to protect their liquor purchases in a more eco-conscious way. We are constantly looking at ways to improve our eco-friendly practices and this is a good step in the right direction.”
Innonature Packaging Solutions Co-Founder and CEO Gabriela Steiner-Zajax added: “As they are a pioneer in the travel retail industry, we are immensely proud to have Dubai Duty Free be the first to implement the Suber Sleeve in their stores.”
According to The Moodie Davitt Report, wines and spirits account for a significant share of global travel retail sales, positioning the Suber Sleeve as a step toward reducing waste in the sector. The initiative also supports wider industry efforts to improve environmental performance, including Airports Council International (ACI) World’s stated target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The launch forms part of Dubai Duty Free’s ongoing sustainability drive, with the retailer citing the project as an example of its efforts to minimise environmental impact while maintaining customer service standards.
Source: The Moodie Davitt Report