Throughout the year, the “Araz” supermarket chain implements numerous environmental initiatives and projects under the slogan “Protecting Nature is in My Hands.” The company regularly contributes to the protection of nature and the preservation of the environment by organizing tree-planting and clean-up campaigns, promoting the use of eco-bags, and collecting used batteries, as well as plastic and glass bottles for recycling.
The “Araz” supermarket chain encourages customers to use eco-bags instead of plastic bags when shopping, thus motivating them to protect nature. Our stores offer environmentally friendly and durable eco-bags and plant-based biodegradable bags. The biodegradable bags are made from fabric, are reusable, and decompose quickly, returning to the soil. Eco-bags are produced from plant fibers instead of plastic and biodegrade within 3–4 months, posing no threat to the environment.
Within awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the use of plastic bags and bottles, “Araz” regularly holds the “Exchange Waste for an Eco Bag” campaign in cooperation with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. Citizens who hand in plastic bottles, glass bottles or jars, and used batteries receive free eco-bags. The goal is to gradually reduce the use of harmful plastics and encourage people to adopt eco-bag usage.
Another regular joint project with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources is the “Exchange Waste for a Sapling” campaign. Held in front of “Araz” stores, the campaign provides saplings to those who wish to contribute to nature care but cannot do so directly. Citizens who bring plastic bottles, glass bottles or jars, or used batteries are given saplings. The project is carried out annually during the planting season.
In partnership with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the “Hand Over Batteries, Protect Nature!” project aims to safeguard the ecological environment. Citizens can dispose of used batteries in designated collection boxes located in “Araz” and “Spar” stores in Baku and Sumgayit. The collected batteries are transferred to the “Waste Management Center” LLC for proper recycling. Currently, such boxes are available at the head office and in 29 branches.
The “Araz” supermarket chain regularly conducts tree-planting campaigns with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. Employees of the ministry, “Araz,” and eco-volunteers participate in the events. In the forest area of Mushfigabad settlement, Eldar pine and olive trees, suitable for the soil and climate of the Absheron Peninsula, have been planted.
In 2024, within the framework of the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World” and the hosting of COP29 in our country, the “A Piece of Contribution to Nature” project was launched. For every customer who purchased an “Araz” eco-bag at any store, a tree was planted in a specially designated area in Mushfigabad settlement together with the customers themselves. The aim was to draw attention to environmental protection, increase green spaces, and reduce plastic usage.
As part of the “Clean My Country” initiative, the “Araz” supermarket chain regularly organizes clean-up campaigns in cooperation with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. One such event was the Nationwide Clean-Up Marathon, during which employees cleaned the Novkhani coast of the Caspian Sea, collecting and transporting over 1 ton of waste. These activities aim to encourage people to treat the environment with greater care and responsibility, as well as to reduce and properly manage waste.
To protect the environment, “Araz” has launched the “On the Shores of Araz” clean-up initiative. With the support of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources’ 3rd Regional Department and the Imishli District Executive Authority, the first campaign was held along the banks of the Araz River in Imishli. Employees collected 220 kg of waste from the riverbank and transported it to the Imishli waste disposal site. The project aims to be carried out regularly, cleaning different sections of the river in various districts.
