The UAE’s SS Royal Kit Emirates Investment and Hong Kong-based Global Biopolymers Industries have joined forces to establish a new joint venture (JV) to transform the PLA bioplastics industry. The joint venture, Emirates Biotech, will spearhead the production and marketing of PLA biopolymers across the Middle East, Africa and India. It will also offer a sustainable and circular solution to replace traditional fossil fuel-based plastics.
Shaikh Suhail Ali Saeed Rashed Al-Maktoum and Dr. Shadi Jabari, on behalf of SS Royal Kit Emirates Investment, and Theodorus Everwijn, on behalf of Global Biopolymers Industries, recently signed the partnership agreement.
UAE PLA production facility
Emirates Biotech will have its headquarters in Dubai. In addition, the company is planning to build a PLA production facility in the UAE.
“Our participation in Emirates Biotech underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering sustainability in the UAE and beyond. By investing in PLA bioplastics, we are taking a proactive step towards building a more eco-conscious society for generations to come, aligning with the UAE’s vision outlined in the Green Agenda 2030,” stated Shaikh Suhail.
For his part, Everwijn explained that PLA biopolymers are one of the key innovations to lower society’s carbon footprint. In addition, they are essential to combat global plastic pollution. “By joining forces with SS Royal Kit Emirates Investment we will be able to accelerate this transition and reinforce the position of the UAE as a leading country towards a more sustainable society,” he added.
Operations to begin in early 2025
Emirates Biotech will start commercial operations in early 2025. The company also intends to start construction of its first PLA production plant in the UAE before 2026.
The company also appointed Marc Verbruggen as CEO of Emirates Biotech. “He has over 10 years of experience in the PLA bioplastics industry, with expertise in turning start-ups into global providers of bio-based polymer solutions,” added Everwijn.
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