The State Trading Organization (STO) has achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey, halving plastic bag usage across its retail network and eliminating roughly two million bags each year.
The initiative, which began in 2021, was rolled out in phases to ensure both operational readiness and public acceptance. The first step saw STO-operated pharmacies discontinue plastic bags in August 2021. The following year, STO People’s Choice and regional outlets introduced a nominal fee for plastic bags, while simultaneously launching the nationwide campaign “An Alternative to Plastic.”
The campaign encouraged businesses to adopt cloth bags and rewarded those that did, while customers were urged to bring reusable bags. STO also offered incentives to promote this shift, gradually transforming consumer habits.
Although the Maldivian government formally mandated plastic bag charges in August 2023, STO’s head start — implemented almost 10 months earlier — eased the public transition. What initially met with hesitation has since evolved into widespread acceptance, marking a notable shift in retail culture.
Over the past five years, STO’s sustained measures have prevented the circulation of more than 10 million plastic bags, reinforcing its role as a leader in environmental responsibility within the Maldives. The company’s efforts not only reduce environmental impact but also demonstrate practical pathways for businesses to embrace sustainable alternatives.
