Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is banning single-use plastics across its business as part of a wide-ranging campaign on environmental sustainability.
In a phased move, the company will start by replacing plastic cups at its Mina Al Fahal (MAF) headquarters with 3,000 ceramic mugs from June, followed by bans on plastic bags, bottles, cutlery and straws.
The initiative falls under its Estidama (Sustainability) campaign which was launched in January to build a positive environmental culture across Oman by focusing on six main pillars: renewable energy, people, energy, efficiency, environment, energy saving and economy.
PDO managing director Raoul Restucci made the announcement during his keynote speech at the company’s annual PDO Day event.
Restucci said: “Evidence of the devastating damage caused by plastic to our natural environment is growing every day. It is polluting land, waterways and oceans and having a lethal impact on wildlife and marine species as well as contaminated human water supplies.
“As one of the largest companies in Oman, PDO is responding to the challenge by rolling out a ban on single-use plastics across our organisation, a move which we hope will encourage others to follow suit and raise awareness more generally of this pressing issue.
“We are committed to protecting our environment and highlighting the need to reduce waste which harms biodiversity and threatens the beauty of this wonderful country.”
Plastic waste at PDO amounts to an average of 1.2 tonnes a month and a recent survey found that PDO staff and contractors used around 20,000 plastic cups per week, with around 30% using 10 plastic bags per week and 28% availing themselves of single-use plastic bottles.
The event had a strong “green” theme. A booklet titled “Pathways To Sustainability” was launched, showcasing the environmental friendly initiatives launched by PDO, including its efforts to reduce flaring and greenhouse gas emissions, and its flagship Miraah solar plant and Nimr waterland project.
Three Omani consultancies working in the green economy also showcased their products and services related to solar panels, LED technology and smart home applications. There were displays of four new energy efficient technologies pioneered by PDO, including micro turbines that are being used to generate electrical power from flare gas.
