Sands China Bans Shark Fin

Continuation of company’s environmental initiatives  

(Macao, Feb 26, 2019) – Sands China Ltd. has banned shark fin from its restaurants, as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to protecting the environment.

The ban went into effect Jan. 1, 2019, and covers the entirety of Sands China’s internal and external food and beverage operations, including all restaurants owned by the company.

Sands China began making steps toward a complete ban in 2017, when it removed shark fin from all its menus.

The initiative is part of Sands ECO360, the global sustainability strategy of Sands China’s parent company, Las Vegas Sands Corp. Sands ECO360 drives the stewardship of responsible business operations in the areas of green buildings, environmentally responsible operations, green meetings and events, and stakeholder engagement and outreach.

“This shark fin ban reflects our company’s firm commitment to continue reducing the environmental impact of our operations,” said Mark McWhinnie, senior vice president of resort operations and development for Sands China Ltd. “As a leader in our industry, we hope our actions inspire and encourage our customers and business partners in their own sustainability efforts in Macao and in the region.”

Sudhanshu Sarronwala, executive director of marketing and communications for WWF International, said: “We welcome Sands China's new commitment, which shows the way for others in the hospitality sector toward saving sharks and the ecosystems that depend on them. As sustainable options do not exist for sharks, halting consumer demand is the only solution today. Sands China’s commitment takes us a significant step closer to closing shark product demand for good.”

Other Sands China’s environmental initiatives under Sands ECO360 include measures such as energy saving, resource recycling, conservation and community engagement.

Since 2012, Sands China has been implementing its Global Sustainable Procurement Policy, which supports the company’s ongoing efforts toward sustainable sourcing of materials, including seafood, fresh produce and more.

In 2014 and 2017, The Venetian^® Macao and The Parisian Macao, respectively, earned ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management System certifications, in their efforts to promote and support sustainable best practices among the company’s MICE guests and exhibitors.

In November, Sands China launched its Green Cuisine campaign across 14 of its signature restaurants to promote environmentally sustainable vegan dishes to guests and visitors, including some made with innovative plant-based meat alternatives like Omnipork and Beyond Meat.

And last month, the company announced its ban on plastic straws, which also took effect at the beginning of this year.

Sands ECO360 is designed to help minimise the company’s environmental impact and lead the way in sustainable building development and resort operations, as Macao continues its development as a world centre of tourism and leisure.

Photo caption: Sands China Ltd. has announced a company-wide ban on shark fin, as part of its ongoing commitment to protecting the environment. The ban went into effect Jan. 1, 2019, and covers the entirety of Sands China’s internal and external food and beverage operations, including all restaurants owned by the company.