The Waste to Zero initiative has unveiled its first white paper at COP29 in Azerbaijan, spotlighting the waste sector’s role as a scalable solution in global decarbonisation efforts.
Jointly developed by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Tadweer Group, and Roland Berger, the white paper underscores how advanced waste-to-resource technologies—such as waste-to-hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel—can help cut emissions and accelerate the path to net zero.
With methane from mismanaged organic waste accounting for 20% of global methane emissions, the report calls for urgent, data-driven reforms. As urbanisation drives waste growth, the white paper urges investment in technology and infrastructure upgrades to turn waste into a valuable climate asset.
Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer Group, said:
“We are honoured to collaborate… Our findings emphasise the critical role of waste in decarbonisation and achieving net zero, underscoring waste’s potential as a transformative asset in climate action.”
More than 50 global institutions have endorsed the initiative. The paper also highlights AI’s role in optimising waste systems and reducing landfill dependence.
Alya Al Harmoodi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said:
“The achievements made by the Waste to Zero Initiative at COP29 demonstrate the waste sector’s contribution to global emissions… Waste to Zero… promises to unlock the economic value of circular business models.”
The white paper positions waste decarbonisation not just as an environmental imperative, but a significant economic opportunity for B2B stakeholders worldwide.