Industry leaders from the Arabian Gulf converged at the 13th annual Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Plastics Conference on May 13-14, 2024, at the Address Sky View Hotel in Dubai. The event served as a platform for reaffirming their commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at advancing plastic circularity, investing in Design for Recycling (DfR), and tackling plastic waste challenges in the region.
Theme: Innovating for Sustainable Growth
Under the theme “Innovating for Sustainable Growth – Charting the Future of Plastics,” the conference brought together global and regional leaders in plastic production, policy making, conversion, branding, and recycling. The discussions focused on regulatory requirements and technological advancements necessary to address the plastic waste challenge.
Policymakers and industry leaders placed a significant focus on advancing circular economy objectives and achieving net-zero targets during the conference. The discussions highlighted the essential role of regulatory frameworks in driving these goals forward. There was a consensus among stakeholders on the urgency of intensifying collaboration to promote innovative circular solutions, bolster waste management infrastructure, and heighten awareness of plastic waste challenges.
Keynote Addresses & Leadership Dialogues
Naser Aldousari, CEO of EQUATE Group and Chairman of the GPCA Plastics Committee, set the tone for the conference with a call for collaboration and innovation towards a more sustainable future for plastics. Jacob Duer, President and CEO of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, echoed this sentiment in his keynote address, stressing the need for global coordination in addressing plastic waste.
Case Study: SABIC Nusaned Initiative
Naif Al-Ayed, CEO of NUSANED Investment Company, presented a compelling case study on the SABIC Nusaned Initiative. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, this initiative aims to drive investment, create local demand, and commercialize SABIC technologies. It supports industries such as automotive, construction, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals, with a strong focus on localization and innovation.
Promoting Circular Economy through Public-Private Dialogue
Sara Jackson, Technical Director of the Circular Packaging Association, highlighted the importance of public-private dialogue in achieving circularity goals. She discussed the progress and challenges of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation/UNEP Global Commitment and proposed policy recommendations to promote responsible consumption and circular design practices.
Innovative Solutions for Sustainability
Representatives from Dow elaborated on the company’s sustainability strategy, which focuses on design for recyclability, mechanical and advanced recycling, bio-based materials, and carbon management. They showcased collaborations to minimize environmental impact and develop circular solutions.
Advancements in Recycling Technologies
Martin Wiesweg, Executive Director of EMEA Plastics and Polymers at Chemical Market Analytics, presented on the growth of chemical recycling capacity and the challenges in achieving sustainable and circular plastic economies.
Sustainability Commitment: Gala Dinner
Day 1 of the conference concluded with a gala dinner, providing a vibrant setting for networking and further discussions on sustainable practices. The dinner also featured the introduction of the Mega Green Accelerator, an initiative supported by PepsiCo, SABIC, and AstroLabs. The accelerator aims to promote startups that offer innovative solutions for sustainability, further emphasizing the industry’s dedication to driving positive change in the region.
The second day of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Plastics Conference continued to build on the momentum from Day 1, focusing on key policies, industry challenges, and innovative solutions aimed at enhancing plastic circularity and sustainability. The day was packed with insightful sessions and discussions.
Industry Watch: UNEA Resolution 5/14 and the INC Process Discussed.
In the morning, The conference hosted a special session titled “Industry Watch.
UNEA Resolution 5/14 and the INC Process: Key Outcomes from Ottawa.” Dima Al-Horani, Head of Marcom and Membership at GPCA, moderated the session, which featured a keynote address from Najla AlSudairy, Policy Head and Negotiator from the Ministry of Energy, Saudi Arabia. AlSudairy shared crucial insights from Ottawa, followed by an on-stage conversation with Dr. Salman Alajmi, General Director of the Kuwait Sustainability Society, discussing the key outcomes and implications for the region.
Plastic Circularity in the Arabian Gulf
During a fireside chat moderated by Jamila El Mir, Senior Advisor to the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, panelists including Othaibah Saeed Al Qaydi from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Monir Salem Bou Ghanem from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and Priya Sarma from Unilever, explored opportunities and challenges in achieving plastic circularity in the Arabian Gulf region. Their discussions underscored the critical role of collaboration and innovation in advancing sustainability goals.
Associations Propel Green Transition Momentum:
Yavuz Eroğlu, President of PAGEV and Chair of SEM Plastik’s Board of Directors, delivered a keynote address on the role of associations in promoting sustainable practices. He highlighted Turkey’s significant contributions to the global plastics industry and PAGEV’s efforts in recycling and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in accelerating the green transition.
Zero Plastic Loss
Patrick Krieger, VP of Sustainability at the Plastics Industry Association, moderated a panel on eliminating plastic loss. He presented on Operation Clean Sweep, a program aimed at preventing resin pellet loss from plastic manufacturing facilities. The panel included industry leaders like Makhlouf Benzahia, MD of S.A. TALKE, and Firas AlSaleh, Corporate Manager at Almajdouie De Rijke (MdR), who discussed strategies and success stories in reducing plastic loss.
Future of Packaging Industry: Beyond 2024
Ben Daniel, Chief Editor of Packaging MEA, moderated a discussion on the future of the packaging industry. Panelists including Mauricio Dias Amador from Sealed Air, Maria Talu, and Dimitra Theodoropulos from talabat shared their insights on resilience and sustainability priorities in the packaging sector.
Emerging Markets: Growth Opportunities
Sarah Rae, VP of Olefins at Argus Media, provided a comprehensive overview of emerging markets and growth opportunities. She emphasized the importance of investing in lower carbon technologies and feedstocks to meet the increasing demand for recyclable and sustainable polymer products.
Competitive Mega Trends: Middle East
Tin Nguyen, Head of Consulting at ICIS, discussed mega trends affecting Middle Eastern competitiveness in an oversupplied and disrupted global market. His insights underscored the need for innovation and strategic planning to maintain the region’s edge.
Closing Remarks
Dr. Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, Secretary General of GPCA, delivered the closing remarks. He highlighted the significant role of plastics in various sectors and the urgent need for effective plastic waste management in the GCC. He proposed a comprehensive roadmap to enhance recycling capabilities and drive cultural change towards sustainability. Dr. Al Sadoun commented on the importance of themes addressed at the conference, including the future of the plastics economy, the role of innovation for sustainability, and advancements in recycling technology.