BNP Paribas Group Luxembourg Commits to Ending Use of Single-use Plastics by 2020

BNP Paribas Group in Luxembourg has committed to ending its use of single-use plastics by 2020.

According to figures published at the beginning of 2018 by the European Commission, Europeans generate some 25 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which less than 30% is recycled.

It is within this context that BGL BNP Paribas has launched a number of initiatives to reduce single-use plastic waste. These include introducing the Ecobox (SuperDrecksKëscht®) in its restaurant areas, removing disposable cups, plastic cutlery and straws and encouraging all employees to use reusable mugs, bottles and cutlery.

In an effort to take this initiative further, BGL BNP Paribas has decided to make its commitment public by signing the “Zero Single-Use Plastic” manifesto launched by IMS Luxembourg, of which the bank is a member. So far, eight Group CEOs have made this commitment not only to reduce the use of single-use plastic, but to completely remove it from the company by 2020.

Other signatories of the IMS manifesto were Arval, Cardif Lux Vie, BNP Paribas Asset Management, BNP Paribas Securities Services, BNP Paribas Real Estate Investment Management, BNP Paribas Real Estate Advisory & Property Management and GreenStars BNP Paribas.

Geoffroy Bazin, Chairman of the BGL BNP Paribas Executive Committee and Country Head of the BNP Paribas Group in Luxembourg, who initiated this joint initiative, explained: “BNP Paribas Group in Luxembourg is using all the means at its disposal to accelerate the transition towards a greener economy.[...] By signing the “Zero Single-Use Plastic” manifesto, BNP Paribas Group in Luxembourg is reaffirming its policy of reducing its direct environmental impact."