UCIC’s journey began in 1990 with a vision to revolutionize the corrugated industry. Over the past three decades, UCIC (United Carton Industries Company) has consistently set new benchmarks for quality and service, earning the trust of customers across the MENA region. Today, UCIC stands as an unrivaled leader in corrugated manufacturing, synonymous with superior paper products and a legacy of innovation, quality, service, and sustainability.
Key Achievements:
– Largest corrugated company in the MENA region
– Approximately $400 million annual revenue across all group companies
– Close to 500,000 metric tons yearly capacity
– Over 10,000 customers served
UCIC’s Journey of Expansion and Acquisition:
– 2001: Acquired Savola Packaging
– 2008: Acquired Babtain Corrugated
– 2015: Acquired Watan Pac
– 2017: Established Green Field Plant 5 in Alkharj
– 2018: Initiated a digitalization drive
– 2020: Implemented digital printing
– 2022: Acquired Kifah Paper (Duplex)
– 2023: Acquired Gulf Paper (Paper Mill)
– 2024: Acquired Rak packaging company Ltd. in UAE
Certifications:
FSC Certification
BRC (Global Standard for Packaging Materials Issue 6: Aug 2019) – Achieved Grade: AA+
ISO 27001-2013 (Security Management System)
ISO 9001-2015 (Quality Management System)
ISO 45001-2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System)
ISO 14001-2015 (Environmental Management System)
Halal Certification
Q&A with UCIC on Sustainability Initiatives
Doaa Thabit (DT): UCIC has made significant investments in energy-efficient machinery and technology to reduce energy consumption. Can you elaborate on the specific measures taken and the impact they have had on energy savings and production efficiency?
UCIC: At each of our sites, we optimize energy consumption by selecting suitable fuels such as diesel, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), or natural gas for our boilers, reducing carbon emissions. We’ve also started small-scale solar power projects. These measures have significantly lowered our energy consumption and enhanced production efficiency.
DT: The sourcing of raw materials from sustainable and certified forests is a key aspect of UCIC’s sustainability strategy. Could you provide insights into how UCIC ensures responsible forestry practices and the steps taken to minimize ecological impact during the sourcing process?
UCIC: We procure over 85% of our raw material as recycled paper, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable procurement. Additionally, more than 87% of our purchased paper is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, ensuring that it comes from responsibly managed forests providing environmental, social, and economic benefits.
DT: UCIC has implemented advanced water-saving technologies and a rigorous water recycling system to reduce water consumption. Can you share more details about these technologies and their effectiveness in minimizing the company’s overall water footprint?
UCIC: At Plant 5 in Al Kharj, we’ve installed an effluent wastewater treatment plant. This facility filters wastewater, removes solid content, and reuses nearly 30,000 liters of water daily for gardening and landscaping. This reflects our commitment to resource preservation and operational efficiency.
DT: Can you provide insights into UCIC’s efforts to foster a culture of sustainability within its offices, including initiatives such as solar-powered utilities and digitization of operations?
UCIC: Our sustainability initiatives include motion and photocell sensors to save electricity, solar power generation yielding 12.03 MWh in 2022, and greenery in our offices. We’ve transitioned from traditional paper-based methods to digital alternatives, reducing travel and carbon footprints. We focus on water conservation, LED lighting, and incremental solar panel installations.
DT: How does UCIC ensure that its waste reduction strategies and recycling programs effectively divert waste away from landfills, contributing to a more sustainable waste management system?
UCIC: We recycle 85% of our manufacturing waste and manage general waste through authorized contracts. Hazardous waste is outsourced to authorized service providers for safe disposal, ensuring effective waste management and sustainability.
DT: UCIC aims to provide “rightsized” packaging designs to optimize material usage without compromising quality. How does UCIC ensure that its packaging designs are environmentally friendly and contribute to reduced energy consumption in transportation?
UCIC: Our packaging solutions are tailored to customer specifications using high-end software. The papers used are 100% biodegradable and environmentally friendly. We optimize shipping configurations with software to reduce energy consumption in transportation, ensuring both efficiency and sustainability.
DT: UCIC has a goal to achieve a reduction in carbon emissions across its entire value chain. What specific strategies or initiatives is UCIC implementing to reduce carbon emissions, and how does the company plan to track progress towards this goal?
UCIC: We’ve established our baseline year (2023) for greenhouse gas emissions and are currently measuring scope 1 and 2 emissions. Our strategies include using gas as fuel where available, wastewater recycling, solar power usage, and digitalization through a customer-friendly portal for artwork approvals.
DT: Sustainability is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. How do UCIC’s environmental goals for 2024, particularly regarding reducing emissions and achieving carbon neutrality, support the Kingdom’s goals and contribute to a greener future?
UCIC: By measuring and reporting on scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, and planning to measure scope 3, we’re aligning with Vision 2030. Our goals include reducing emissions through various initiatives like solar power, wastewater recycling, and digitalization, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s net-zero ambitions.
DT: Is UCIC involved in the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy for corrugated containerboard (CCB)? How does UCIC embody the principles of a circular economy in its business model?
UCIC: We integrate circular economy principles by minimizing waste and maximizing resource use. Our business model includes sourcing, making, using, collecting, sorting, and recycling CCB, creating closed-loop systems where materials are reused and recycled as long as possible.
UCIC’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its continuous efforts in energy efficiency, responsible sourcing, water conservation, waste reduction, and circular economy practices. These initiatives not only support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 but also position UCIC as a leader in sustainable corrugated manufacturing in the MENA region.