UAE: The plastics industry and plastics in packaging has had its own set of challenges in 2018. The key focus during the year had been on running the operations of the plant more cost-effectively and efficiently. Packaging conversion and fulfillment hasn’t seen a specific growth per se, however, F&B as well as its allied FFS sector has been stable, and flat. Hence, in the cur- rent scenario, sustaining turnovers and margins are considered good and successful as against a downfall. Let us be realistic, says, Rahim Jamal of Al Shihab Al Thahabi. “As always, there will be the so-called tailwinds that are likely to boost growth and help drive positive returns and, conversely, headwinds that can be expected to drag on growth and returns.”
We’ll look at the tail winds. World Expo 2020 is certainly bound to attract millions of visitors. “This will change the way we do business, and will create significant changes be they opportunities or challenges – in most industries and market sectors including our industry,” says Jamal. Likewise, in the packaging segment, disposable packaging will see a spike driven by the demand for F&B, cosmetics, personal care as well as health care products. Most of these products come with disposable packaging in today’s fast moving consumer life style.
Run up to the EXPO has also resulted in demands for wire and cables, pipes & fittings as well as films used widely in the infrastructure such as geomembrane etc.
Consolidating business position
Al Shihab Al Thahabi calls itself a “one-stop-shop” solution provider for the polymer industry, and are optimistic about growth. Jamal justifies, “While some other industries have been struggling, thanks to the petrochemical industry here and we being a part of this industry, we have seen and are seeing consistent growth.” The key to innovation is smart utilisation of technology, and Al Shihab Al Thahabi is playing its part. The company Reifenhauser that Al Shihab represents in the UAE and neighboring GCC countries introduced a new five-layer blown film line. “The technology offers considerable benefits over conventional 3-layer films, including reduced melt temperatures due to the thinner layers, a higher output, improved dart impact, superior sealability, lower energy consumption, and the possibility of using recycled material in the core layer” says Jamal.
Circular economy
That’s the latest buzzword. Sustainability, recycling, bio plastics and allied solutions is where the entire industry is moving towards. Be it Brand owners, converters or suppliers, all are hard pressed to meet regulatory requirements and make their products more environmentally friendly and with minimized carbon footprint.
NGR, Plastic Recycling Technologies which Al Shihab represents in the UAE and neighboring countries provides solutions for ZERO SCRAP production for plastic processors as well as solutions for high- quality new plastic pellets for post-consumer plastics. The new LSP technology means PET materials leave the recycling process with better quality than the input material.
“Circular economy is about keeping products and materials in use and create / regenerate natural systems within the entire value chain and lifecycle