Latest news with #AbdulwahabAl-Sadoun
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GCC can play key role in advancing circular economy: experts
Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can play a key role in advancing the circular economy thanks to their established position as a global plastics production and export hub, access to world-class infrastructure and focus on research and innovation, experts said. However, the formulation of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), government incentives and regulations will be essential to drive meaningful impact on plastic waste management and circularity. Speaking at the 14th Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Plastics Conference at the JW Marriott Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, industry leaders agreed that innovation and collaboration will be crucial to foster economies of scale and advance sustainability, while enabling industry growth. Delivering the welcome remarks on Day 1 (April 20), Khalfan Al-Muhairi, SVP Regional MEAE, Borouge and Vice-Chairman, Plastics Committee, GPCA, commented: 'As we look toward the future, one thing is abundantly clear: the journey ahead cannot be undertaken alone. It demands a collective, unwavering commitment from all of us — from industry leaders to policymakers, from innovators to our communities and youth. Together, we must align our ambitions, mobilize our resources, and take decisive action to address the challenges and opportunities that lie before us.' Deena F. Al-Khayyal, Managing Director, LyondellBasell (LYB), delivered a keynote address on the future of plastics and impact of key trends and disruptions on the regional industry. Her speech explored the evolving landscape of the plastic industry and ways in which increasing regulatory pressures and shifting consumer demands are influencing the sector. A leadership dialogue, moderated by Steve Jenkins, Vice President, Chemicals Consulting, Wood Mackenzie, featuring Khalid Al Dawood, Managing Director, NATPET; Unmesh Nayak, President – Polymer Chain, Reliance Industries; and Dr Apostolos Krallis, VP, Innovation Centre, Borouge, delved into the financial dimensions of transitioning to sustainable and circular plastics. The conference continued with sessions on investment in plastics ecosystems, turning plastic waste into high-impact solutions, the future of plastics circularity and a series of valuable case studies. Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: 'Driving meaningful solutions to plastic waste management is no longer a choice; it's an urgent necessity. A comprehensive approach will require government incentives and regulations that foster investment while providing clarity and confidence to investors and technology providers. Advanced recycling technologies, such as chemical recycling, are poised to play a vital role in this transition.' He added: 'To unlock new opportunities, scaling up investment in advanced recycling infrastructure is imperative. Key actions include promoting Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), establishing regional standards, and fostering economies of scale. Supporting innovation and nurturing circular economy startups will also be critical to developing smart and sustainable solutions that can transform the future of plastic waste management.' The 14th GPCA Plastics Conference, which concludes today (April 21), featured an opening address by Naser Aldousari, CEO, EQUATE Group and Chairman – Plastics Committee, GPCA. During the conference, GPCA released a new report in collaboration with the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC), titled 'Advancing Plastic Waste Recycling in the GCC: Policies, Technologies, and Economic Opportunities.' The report provides an in-depth examination of the state of plastic waste recycling in the GCC and serves as a vital resource for stakeholders aiming to improve plastic waste management practices and policies in the region. – Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
19-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Riyadh event to explore role of innovation in value creation
The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association, the voice of the chemical industry in the Gulf region, will explore the role of innovation in driving value creation and growth at the 14th GPCA Plastics Conference taking place on April 20-21 at JW Marriott Hotel, Riyadh. Innovation is a driving force behind value creation in the GCC plastic industry, contributing to sustainability, economic growth, and technological advancements. Accelerating innovation plays a crucial role across product design, business models, and resource management, and can support efforts to achieve a circular economy in the GCC. Continuous innovation in polymer production and conversion technologies has enabled the GCC region to maintain a competitive edge in the global market. This includes advancements in recycling technologies and the development of new, sustainable materials. Opportunities exist to leverage innovation for more sustainable production and economic growth. Research estimates say that every 1 million tonnes of recycled plastic produced in the GCC region can generate approximately 1,500 jobs and $650 million in direct GDP impact. According to another study, advancements in chemical recycling technologies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50 percent compared to traditional plastic production methods. The 14th GPCA Plastics Conference will provide an ideal platform to spotlight innovations in plastics recycling and discuss the role of regulations in creating an enabling environment for growth. Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, secretary-general of GPCA, said: 'In the pursuit of the next paradigm of plastics growth, fostering innovation and collaboration will be essential to address the sustainability challenges of our time, while meeting the demand for sustainable plastics and ensuring socioeconomic growth. By fostering cutting-edge advancements and sustainable practices, we can enhance the plastic industry's position as a dynamic driver of economic growth and environmental stewardship. The 14th GPCA Plastics Conference will serve as a beacon for visionary leaders and innovators from across the region and the world to collaborate and redefine the future of plastics for generations to come.' Held under the theme 'The Next Growth Paradigm: Value Creation through Innovation,' the conference will open with a welcome address by Khalfan Al-Muhairi, SVP regional MEAE, Borouge and vice chairman, plastics committee, GPCA, followed by a ministerial address outlining regional policy priorities. Deena F. Al-Khayyal, managing director, LyondellBasell, will deliver a keynote address on 'The Future of Plastics: Trends and Disruptions Shaping the Regional Industry.' A leadership dialogue moderated by Steve Jenkins, vice president, chemicals consulting, Wood Mackenzie, will explore 'The Business Case for Sustainability: Turning Plastics Innovation into Profit.' The session will discuss how investing in green technologies, materials, and processes can be profitable in the long run and drive shareholder value, featuring insights from Khalid Al-Dawood, MD, NATPET; Unmesh Nayak, president — polymer chain, Reliance Industries, and Dr. Apostolos Krallis, vice president, innovation center, Borouge. The program will continue with an in-depth panel discussion on 'Building Sustainable Value — Innovation and Investment in Plastics Ecosystems,' which will highlight how seamlessly integrated ecosystems in production, feedstock, and logistics are crucial for driving innovation and value creation. The discussion will bring together senior industry executives, including Faisal Alsolami, executive vice president, finance and strategic planning, SIRC, and Dimitri Van Eekelen, vice president — commercial, SOHAR Ports and Freezone, to examine investment trends and new growth pathways. Another key session, 'Turning Low-Value Plastic Waste into High-Impact Solutions,' will address the technical and economic challenges of collecting and processing lower-value plastic waste, featuring Don Thomson, founder and CEO, CRDC Global, and Peter Wang Hjemdahl, chief innovation officer and founder, rePurpose Global. The afternoon sessions will advance the circularity agenda through a series of case studies, covering topics such as science-driven materials innovation, product design for a leaner plastics footprint, advanced recycling technologies, and consumer behavior change programs. On Day 2, Naser Aldousari, CEO, EQUATE Group and Chairman, plastics committee, GPCA, will deliver the opening address. A multi-stakeholder dialogue will further explore regulatory trends shaping plastics waste management, focusing on policy innovations accelerating circularity, extended producer responsibility implementation, and the role of industry in compliance and sustainability progress. The discussion will be moderated by Noor Balfaqeeh, head of corporate affairs and communications, Unilever and chair, National Circular Packaging Private Committee — Federation of Saudi Chambers, who will be joined by senior policymakers and industry executives.
Al Bawaba
13-04-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
14ᵗʰ GPCA Plastics Conference to Explore the Role of Innovation in Value Creation and Growth This Month
The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), the voice of the chemical industry in the Arabian Gulf, will explore the role of innovation in driving value creation and growth at the 14th GPCA Plastics Conference taking place on 20-21 April 2025 at JW Marriott Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Innovation is a driving force behind value creation in the GCC plastic industry, contributing to sustainability, economic growth, and technological advancements. Accelerating innovation plays a crucial role across product design, business models, and resource management, and can support efforts to achieving circular economy in the GCC. Continuous innovation in polymer production and conversion technologies has enabled the GCC region to maintain a competitive edge in the global market. This includes advancements in recycling technologies and the development of new, sustainable materials. Opportunities exist to leverage innovation for more sustainable production and economic growth. Research estimates say that every 1 million tons of recycled plastic produced in the GCC region can generate approximately 1,500 jobs and USD 650 million in direct GDP impact. According to another study, advancements in chemical recycling technologies can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 50% compared to traditional plastic production methods. The 14th GPCA Plastics Conference will provide an ideal platform to spotlight innovations in plastics recycling and discuss the role of regulations in creating an enabling environment for growth. Held under the theme: 'The Next Growth Paradigm: Value Creation through Innovation', the conference will bring together senior executives and policymakers from the Arabian Gulf region, Europe, and the United States, representing leading companies in the plastic industry and waste management sector. The conference will spotlight the industry's top strategic priorities, including balancing sustainability with economic prosperity, value chain innovation, managing low-value plastic waste, and accelerating the transition to a circular economy. It will also address key regulatory policies, the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the role of innovation and technology in driving sustainable profitability. Tailored to provide insights on a wide variety of topics, the program will feature keynote speeches, multi-stakeholder panel discussions, and case studies from leading organizations, which will highlight innovative solutions that enhance the value of sustainable plastics and contribute to achieving national and regional sustainability goals. Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General of GPCA, commented: 'In the pursuit of the next paradigm of plastics growth, fostering innovation and collaboration will be essential to address the sustainability challenges of our time, while meeting the demand for sustainable plastics and ensuring socio-economic growth. By fostering cutting-edge advancements and sustainable practices, we can enhance the plastics industry's position as a dynamic driver of economic growth and environmental stewardship. The 14th GPCA Plastics Conference will serve as a beacon for visionary leaders and innovators from across the region and the world to collaborate and redefine the future of plastics for generations to come.' To secure your place, visit:
