MOCCAE Hosts Third Dynamics of Circularity Series' Workshop on Plastic

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) hosted a workshop dedicated to the Plastics manufacturing sector, as part of its Dynamics of Circularity Series.

The periodic stakeholder assembly aimed at sharing knowledge, building capacities, and exploring opportunities to implement circular economy practices in priority sectors.

The session took place in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) West Asia Office and with the participation of the Coalition of Innovation in Recycling towards a Closed Loop Economy (Coalition CIRCLE).

Themed ‘Towards a Circular Plastics’, the third instalment of the series sought to promote sectoral adoption of circular economy principles through highlighting potential initiatives and projects in this space and exploring the challenges of implementing circularity on a wider scope.

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The workshop convened 76 stakeholders from the private sector and representatives of relevant federal and local government entities, research institutions, and academia. Members of the UAE Circular Economy Council also attended the event.

H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “Circular economy is gaining momentum as the world recognizes that the current linear economy, where products are made, used, and discarded, is inefficient and unsustainable.

"Its economic, environmental, and social benefits are clear – from optimizing resource use and reducing or even eliminating waste and pollution to enhancing business sustainability, creating new jobs, and improving public health.”

She added: “Plastics pollution has become one of the most pressing issues globally. Between 1950 and 2017, around 9.2 billion tons of plastics were produced. Of which seven billion tons turned into waste, posing a direct threat to the environment and natural habitats.

'Impeding circular economy in how we deal with plastics is our best solution to gradually reduce plastic pollution and mitigate its impacts with the goal of eradicating it completely.”

Moreover, participants listened to presentations from specialized entities, including Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge), DGrade, and Dow, on their best practices in developing and implementing innovative and sustainable plastic solutions.

Participants engaged in an interactive discussion on five of the 22 policies that are related to plastics, approved in the last meeting of the Council. They explored the scope and elements of the policies and proposed new policies to fill in potential gaps.  

In 2021, the Cabinet approved the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031 that establishes a framework for achieving sustainable management and effective use of natural resources in the country through the adoption of regenerative consumption and production methods.

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