Question 1

Can you briefly describe the activities of the Circular Packaging Association (CPA) and its role in driving circularity and sustainable packaging in the UAE as well as GCC region?

The Circular Packaging Association is a UAE-based cross-sectoral industry forum licensed under the Dubai Chambers with the mission of addressing the diversion of packaging from landfill and developing circularity for post-consumer packaging materials. Its members include MNC and regional companies in the packaging value chain from polymer and chemical suppliers, packaging converters, brand owners, retail and quick service sector leaders. It has 4 key goals:

1. Collaborate to establish packaging  circularity through Public Private Partnership
2. Bring industry expertise and global experience to address circularity through design for sustainability.
3. Identify solutions for the circular management of post - consumer packaging including consumer awareness.
4. Support the definition of an EPR framework for the GCC.

The Circular Packaging Association is recognised by the government of the UAE as the key partner in defining standards, regulations and policies behind sustainability in packaging including the definition of Extended Producer Responsibility. 

Question 2 

What drives the growth of the sustainable packaging market in the Middle East?

The GCC region has seen significant commitments to sustainability in terms of Net Zero target, the development of green and blue hydrogen technologies and the protection of the environment. Furthermore the region is focused on the diversification of an economy reliant on petro-chemicals. This has seen the launch in 2021 of the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy 2021 – 2031, which is driving growth across 4 pillars; Sustainable Manufacturing, Sustainable Food Consumption and Production, Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Transportation. 

Question 3

What does the current landscape of sustainable packaging in the UAE looks like?

The sector is still at early stages of development driven primarily by the forthcoming introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks in the UAE and KSA. In addition several regulations have been legislated in the UAE banning single use items and problematic materials such as polystyrene in an effort to reduce littering and plastics pollution in the Arabian Gulf and the deserts of the UAE. These efforts have driven a strong interest in the use of recycled materials as well as alternative packaging materials such as PLA in the region. 

Question 4 

What are the biggest challenges the packaging industry faces now and how is CPA planning to tackle them?

One of the major issues is the diversion of 2^nd materials from landfills since 90% of MSW ends in landfill with a very low recycling rate of 7%. This means that high value materials are not recovered due to a lack of infrastructure and behaviour regarding segregation at source. Additionally the landscape of recycling is under developed with a lack of facilities for processing high quality food grade recyclate for use in food grade packaging.

Question 5

Why do you feel it’s important for companies to attend the Sustainability in Packaging MENA conference in Dubai?

Smithers is a global leader on the topic of packaging. SustPack is the leading Packaging Conference in Europe and benefits from the advanced development of the packaging eco system driven by the OECD regulations and in particular the focus on the use of recycled materials driven by the targets of the PPWR. In order for regional companies to compete in a highly regulated and competitive sector, exposure to the latest advances in sustainable packaging practices, materials and technologies is key. In addition the GCC market offers an untapped opportunity for recyclers and suppliers of advanced materials and technologies to enter a growing market opportunity.