Areas partners with Plug and Play to strengthen its commitment to sustainability

Areas, a global player in Food & Beverage and travel retail, has launched ‘Areas for Change Challenge’ in collaboration with Plug and Play, to strengthen its commitment to sustainability.

Areas is seeking for startups that develop innovative and sustainable solutions. The challenge aims to address the company’s needs and tackle issues in the Food & Beverage, Travel & Hospitality, and Brand & Retail sectors, all while prioritizing sustainability.

Areas has launched this new edition as part of its ESG strategy, ‘Areas for Change’ which focuses on people, the planet, and the future. The company aims to provide sustainable and innovative solutions that reduce its environmental footprint, help fight climate change, and guide its operations towards a more sustainable future.

”For the third consecutive year, we are promoting this initiative because we recognize the importance of companies like Areas taking action to drive solutions that transform the industry. Our goal is to foster a stronger commitment to environmental awareness while enhancing the travel experience for our customers,” said Blanca López Alerm, Communication, Sustainability & Customer experience Director. ”At Areas, our purpose is to create a positive impact on the planet, people, and the future of travel. We aim to achieve this through innovative, creative, and disruptive approaches, working alongside the world’s leading startups and partners.”

With the support of Plug and Play, a global innovation platform connecting startups with corporations seeking disruptive solutions, Areas is looking for startups to provide real solutions to the following sustainability challenges:

• Waste Revalorization: Solutions to revalorize food and non-food waste generated at Areas’ points of sale, such as plastic bottles, coffee grounds, orange peels, packaging, and used cooking oil.
• Energy Efficiency: Solutions to improve energy efficiency by controlling and reducing electricity consumption at Areas’ facilities.
• Alternatives to Plastic Water Bottles: Solutions to replace disposable plastic water bottles with alternatives, through new materials, business models, or other sustainable solutions that comply with current regulations.

The program will partner with startups that can conduct pilot tests, demonstrate international scalability, and create a positive impact in marketing and communication. By collaborating with these forward-thinking companies, Areas aims to uncover new business opportunities and enhance operational efficiency, driving meaningful progress in sustainability and beyond.

”Working with Areas on the helps us bring innovative startups together with a company focused on sustainability. This partnership drives real solutions that make a difference. Together, we’re shaping a more sustainable future through innovation,” said Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play.

Selected startups, after an initial analysis, will have the opportunity to collaborate with Areas in a pilot program. They will receive support in their commercialization strategy and work alongside the Areas team to develop their projects, with the potential to become future suppliers.

Interested startups can apply for the program here.