As Dubai Municipality announced a comprehensive ban on all single-use bags, including plastic and paper variants, effective June 1st, the world celebrated World Environment Day on June 5th. Dubai Municipality’s move marked a significant milestone in its sustainability journey.
This move aligns with the broader mission to curb non-biodegradable single-use plastic waste and foster a culture of recycling in the community. Eng. Mohammed Alrayees, Head of Waste Strategy and Projects Department at Dubai Municipality, emphasized, “Dubai Municipality is committed to transforming Dubai into a leading and sustainable global city. A comprehensive guide has been launched to answer questions on single use plastics and green alternatives in line with our support for all individuals, businesses and institutions to adopt sustainable practices.”
The Middle East, once synonymous with opulence and extravagance, has pivoted towards environmental stewardship in recent years. Saudi Arabia led the charge with a phased phase-out of single-use plastics from 2017 to 2019, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) implemented bans on various plastic items. Abu Dhabi too is intensifying its efforts to combat plastic pollution.
The scale of the plastic crisis is staggering. According to a report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), single-use plastic packaging accounted for 36% of the global plastic production in 2015, with dismal recycling rates of only 9%. The World Government Summit highlighted that in the UAE alone, 11 billion plastic bags are used annually, a stark comparison to the European Union’s usage.
Joining the movement, East African countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and now Somalia have enforced nationwide bans on single-use plastics, signaling a global shift towards sustainability. However, while these initiatives hold promise, they also bring forth a host of challenges.
Environmental Concerns Drive Policy Shifts
The environmental impact of packaging waste is a pressing concern. A report by AMI Consulting highlights the staggering amount of plastic waste generated in the Middle East – over 50 million tonnes annually, with only 10% recycled due to inadequate infrastructure. This plastic ends up in landfills, deserts, and marine ecosystems, threatening wildlife and natural beauty.
Consumers are taking notice. A recent Nielsen report reveals that 72% of Middle Eastern consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. According to a more recent survey conducted by Toluna for Packaging MEA during COP-28 last year, there is a significant level of awareness regarding sustainability among UAE residents. An overwhelming 95% expressed varying degrees of concern about sustainability, indicating a collective dedication to tackling environmental issues. 59% of respondents showed notable apprehension about the sustainability challenges facing the planet.
The survey also found that an impressive 98% of respondents claimed to be familiar with the concept of climate change, with 93% recognizing it as a critical global concern. This widespread acknowledgment and shift in consumer knowledge and preference, coupled with stricter government regulations like the UAE’s “Single-Use Plastics Policy,” is pushing the packaging industry to adapt.
The industry is not standing still. The Circular Packaging Association (CPA) is a key player, bringing together stakeholders to addressed critical challenges like recyclable design, infrastructure development, and consumer education and to promote a circular economy for packaging.
Innovation is Key
Material innovation is crucial for a sustainable future:
- Recyclable and Recycled Content Packaging requires a two-pronged approach. Firstly, designing packaging that is readily recyclable in existing systems is essential. Secondly, investments in sorting and reprocessing facilities are needed to increase the use of recycled content.
- Reusable Packaging Systems like refillable containers and deposit return schemes (DRS) can significantly reduce waste generation. Oman’s recent DRS pilot program for beverage containers exemplifies this shift.
- Bio-degradables offer a promising alternative, breaking down naturally under specific composting conditions. However, concerns remain regarding large-scale composting infrastructure and biodegradation timelines.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Middle East faces unique challenges. Limited waste management infrastructure and the high energy demands of some recycling processes require a region-specific approach. Educating consumers about proper waste disposal is also crucial.
However, exciting opportunities exist. The ongoing development of waste management infrastructure presents a chance to build a robust system from the ground up. Additionally, government support for research and development can accelerate innovation in bioplastics and other sustainable materials.
Collaboration is the Way Forward
The Middle East packaging industry’s sustainable growth hinges on collaboration between governments, industry players, and consumers.
Recently, the CPA partnered with Rebound, a pioneering business focused on keeping plastics in the economy and out of the environment, with the aim to facilitate access to high-quality recycled plastics and sustainable packaging solutions. The collaboration also aimed at producing crucial data analytics and insights, with a specific focus on estimating material volumes in the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Priya Sarma, Chair of the CPA, underscored the importance of this collaboration, stating, “We firmly believe that collaboration is not only essential but fundamental to achieving a circular economy. Our alliance with Rebound will harness the combined expertise of our organizations to expedite the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future.”
By embracing innovation, investing in infrastructure, and prioritizing consumer education, the region can build a thriving packaging sector that minimizes its environmental footprint. This presents a significant opportunity for environmental and packaging professionals to guide the industry towards a more sustainable future.