As part of efforts to encourage domestic and international collaborations to support the nation's transition to a circular economy, the UAE will construct its first facility for recycling food-grade plastic.
By 2025, it is anticipated that the market for recycled materials would surpass US$46 billion due to the increasing focus on sustainability.
At the annual Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW),Inorder to encourage sustainable economic development, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technologies (MoIAT) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a number of initiatives at attracting domestic and international investors.
One of them is the proposal to build an Abu Dhabi-based plastic recycling facility, which would dramatically reduce plastic waste and promote economic growth through the export of recycled materials fit for human consumption.
The recycling facility will be a joint venture between the F&B conglomerate Agthia, the UAE-based sustainability leader Beeah Group and the subsidiary of Veolia Middle East, Repeet.
Omar Al Suwaidi,undersecretary of MoIAT stated that "Collaboration is the key driver towards a more sustainable and competitive industrial sector, as well as a greener economy. The ministry is focusing on facilitating partnerships between stakeholders such as financial institutions, local industrial companies and global corporations, with the goal of not only supporting GDP growth, but also the global climate agenda."
In accordance with the concept, Agthia would buy the recovered PET resin over a seven-year period, Repeet would operate the plant and BEEAH Group would provide polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for recycling.
Food-grade recycled PET resin can be used to create a variety of food and beverage containers. PET is frequently used in food packaging, such as plastic bottles.Up to 12,000 tonnes of PET can be processed annually at the 40,000 square metre facility when it is working at full capacity.
Also, it is anticipated to stop the annual release of 18,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide.
A new legislation that will permit more businesses to utilise recycled PET is another way the MoIAT hopes to grow its recycling sector.
“The new regulation will attract investments to bolster our shift to a circular economy and help transform Ras Al Khaimah into a regional and global industrial hub. It is also in line with the UAE’s commitment to fulfil its Net Zero 2050 goal (a national initiative to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050),” Said Omar Al Suwaidi.
In order to accomplish the economic and carbon-reduction aims of both countries, the MoIAT and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expedite the adoption of modern technology.
The pact also strengthens cooperation between Japanese and Emirati businesses as they look into potential joint ventures, particularly in the energy industry.