First edition of Plastics Recycling Show Middle East and Africa
The 1st Plastics Recycling Show Middle East and Africa took place from the 5 to 7th of September 2023 in Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Center. The event showcased the latest solutions and technologies in plastics recycling for the MEA market. The Plastics Recycling Show Middle East and Africa aimed to promote a green future by bringing together leading providers of plastics recycling solutions from across the globe. These innovations are being showcased to the Middle East and Africa markets in an effort to promote a circular and sustainable economy.
At the three-day event 98 exhibitors presented the latest technology, trends and developments of the plastics recycling industry, bedding- and mattress industry. “The Middle East and Africa have seen rapid growth in recycling in recent years. And Dubai is at the epicentre,” said Taher Patrawala, Managing Director of Media Fusion. “We brought the PRS brand with our co-organiser Crain Communications to the region with the vision of advancing the industry. And I must say, the interest garnered through three days of our first event has shown us just how vast the industry is in this region and how the plastics recycling industry will impact sustainability as a whole. We are already geared up to produce the next event in September 2024!”
Conference topics included the plastics recycling market with its current landscape and opportunities. A special focus was of course on the state of collection and sorting in MEA. In addition, the new requirements for recyclable materials through chemical recycling as well as innovative solutions for food packaging to promote sustainability and circular economy were discussed.
“I had the true honor of participating in today’s Panel Discussion on ‘Transitioning to Circularity’. It was an invaluable experience wherein I had the opportunity to communicate our Coca-Cola company’s unwavering commitment towards sustainability and our expertise in this domain,” said Mustafa Bater, Senior Director, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, Public Affairs and Sustainability Coca-Cola Eurasia Middle East Operating Unit. “I must extend my gratitude to the organizer Plastics Recycling Show Middle East & Africa, and moderator, Waseem Jeenah, Head of R&D Personal Care MET, Unilever, for facilitating this insightful discussion. Some other top speakers came from Unilever Middle East & Turkey, Plastics Recyclers Europe, PepsiCo, Rebound Plastic Exchange, Veolia, Tetra Pak, Nestlé, IFFCO Group, Dow Chemical IMEA and many others. “We are absolutely delighted with the success of PRS Middle East & Africa in bringing together a wide range of international exhibitors, more than 60 leading speakers and thousands of visitors from across the region,” added Matt Barber.
An already proven and indispensable part of the PRS conferences is the material focus sessions. A Material Recycling Focus Session was held in Dubai. “The first edition of Plastics Recyclers Show Middle East & Africa was a great success,” said Ton Emans, President of Plastics Recyclers Europe. “I am thrilled to see so many companies from the region exhibiting and such a high turnout of visitors. To seize opportunities for this emerging industry in the Middle East & Africa region, the European recyclers’ know-how and expertise will be crucial. Collaborating with recycling companies and waste management from the region to achieve circular plastics globally is a must.”
