In Part 1 of “Is Plastic Fantastic?”, we examined the regulatory hurdles of plastic sustainability in the Middle East. Now, we explore the region’s growing adoption of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), driven by environmental concerns, shifting consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. As Middle Eastern businesses adapt to new packaging standards, rPET is …
Korozo Group supports Zertus with stand-up pouches for Baileys snack range
Korozo Group has partnered with Zertus UK & Ireland to develop stand-up pouches for Baileys Chocolate Nut Mix, a new product that extends the Irish cream liqueur brand into the adult snack market. The range includes chocolate-coated almonds, caramelized nuts, salted toffee popcorn, and a hint of Baileys flavor. The stand-up pouches, designed …
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Amazon trials biodegradable bags to boost circular economy
Amazon has initiated a trial for bio-based delivery bags in Spain as part of its efforts to develop sustainable packaging solutions. The new bags, made from European-sourced vegetable materials like corn starch and vegetable oils, are being tested for Amazon Fresh orders in Valencia. Developed in collaboration with Italian company Novamont (part of Versalis, …
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Tetra Pak unveils sustainability and innovation focus highlighting circular economy and plant-based solutions
At Gulfood Manufacturing 2024, Tetra Pak unveiled its commitment to sustainability and innovation under the theme “Unlocking Potential.” The company aims to empower its customers to achieve growth, enhance operational efficiency, and diversify product offerings. Sonya Kayani, Communications Director for Greater Middle East and Central Asia at Tetra Pak, with Ben Daniel, Chief …
ALPLA reports growth in 2024 with focus on recycling and expansion
ALPLA Group, the Austria-based global packaging and recycling company, recorded significant growth in 2024, reporting a 4% increase in turnover to €4.9 billion from the previous year’s €4.7 billion. The company also expanded its workforce to 24,350 employees across 200 locations in 46 countries, including 365 apprentices, underscoring its commitment to professional training. …
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Smurfit Westrock launches Africa’s first packaging innovation center in Morocco
Smurfit Westrock has inaugurated the Morocco Experience Center in Rabat, marking Africa’s first innovation hub dedicated to the cardboard packaging industry. The center, equipped with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and virtual reality, is part of Smurfit Westrock’s global network of 30 interconnected centers. Supported by over 1,600 designers worldwide, the …
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NILE Recycling partners with Starlinger for advanced PET recycling line at Arabplast 2025
NILE Recycling Company, based in Egypt, has signed a contract for the installation of a Starlinger recoS-STAR PET 165 recycling line, announced at Arabplast 2025 in Dubai. This cutting-edge technology aims to enhance the production of high-quality recycled PET, advancing sustainability and operational efficiency in the region. Mohamed Sa’adany, Co-Founder and CEO of …
Bakcycle achieves high-quality recycling of flexible packaging using TOMRA technology
Bakcycle Recycling, a subsidiary of Bakioğlu Holding, has begun operations in Izmir, Türkiye, recycling post-consumer low-density polyethylene (LDPE) packaging waste into high-quality granules. The facility, operational since late 2023, leverages TOMRA’s sensor-based sorting technologies to meet stringent recycling demands and produce granules for flexible packaging manufacturers. Occupying a 20,000 m² area, the facility …
Amazon revamps device packaging with sustainability in focus
Amazon has unveiled a redesigned packaging approach for its Echo, Kindle, and Fire TV devices, emphasizing increased use of recycled materials and reduced environmental impact. The initiative aligns with the company’s broader sustainability goals under The Climate Pledge, which aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Key updates include a shift to packaging …
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EAD reports 364 million plastic bags saved since 2022 ban
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced that 364 million single-use plastic bags have been eliminated since the introduction of a ban on 1st June 2022 under the emirate’s Single-Use Plastic Policy. This reduction is equivalent to 2,400 tonnes of plastic and 547,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases, comparable to the emissions from …
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