Dubai Customs has launched Project Zero, a pioneering initiative aimed at converting confiscated counterfeit goods into reusable products, marking a first-of-its-kind effort in the region to link customs enforcement with environmental and social sustainability.
The project, developed in partnership with DP World Foundation and the Landmark Group, seeks to implement circular economy principles by recycling nearly half a million counterfeit items. Instead of disposal, these goods are remanufactured into around 200,000 new products, reducing waste and carbon emissions while supporting underprivileged communities.
Unveiled during GITEX Global, Project Zero aligns with Dubai Customs’ sustainability strategy, which emphasizes waste reduction, resource optimization, and social responsibility alongside the protection of intellectual property.
Mansoor Al Malik, Executive Director for Policies and Legislation at Dubai Customs, noted that the initiative demonstrates how customs operations can extend beyond enforcement to actively contribute to environmental and societal goals.
His Excellency Nasser Abdulla Al Neyadi, Vice Chairman of DP World Foundation, highlighted the collaboration as a model for public-private partnerships that turn unusable goods into valuable resources, reinforcing a broader commitment to sustainable development.
Rajesh Garg, CFO of Landmark Retail Group, described the project as a global benchmark for circular economy practices. He emphasized that the initiative transforms items destined for landfills into sustainable products, showcasing the potential for large-scale environmental and social impact.
Project Zero represents a strategic convergence of innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, establishing a new precedent for how confiscated goods can be repurposed to benefit both society and the environment.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
