Emirates Biotech and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) have launched a two-year research project to design, build and operate an integrated pilot plant that will process mixed food waste containing compostable packaging into renewable biogas and nutrient-rich compost.
The partnership was launched at UAEU in Al Ain on 17 September 2026, with representatives from Emirates Environmental Group, Hotpack, AW Rostamani Group’s VerraPak, Tadweer Group, University of Sharjah and Pacogreen attending. The plant, to be located near the UAEU campus, will process up to 40 kg of organic waste daily. Installation and commissioning are expected by August 2027, while the project runs from August 2026 to August 2028.
Researchers will integrate anaerobic digestion and composting, assess the process’s performance and evaluate its environmental and economic potential. A laboratory-scale study will also examine whether the biogas can be converted into renewable hydrogen. Students and researchers will receive practical research and technical training through the programme.
According to the project partners, food waste represents nearly 40% of daily municipal solid waste in the UAE, much of which goes to landfill. Food-contaminated conventional plastic packaging can also be more difficult to recycle. The study will therefore assess the joint treatment of food waste and compostable packaging as an alternative end-of-life route.
Professor Zafar Said Sher, UAEU project lead, said the project would “evaluate a practical end-of-life pathway for food waste and compostable packaging” while developing local waste-to-resource capabilities. The partners will use the findings to prepare technical and operating guidance for possible expansion in the UAE and other markets, and support decisions on future modular commercial facilities in the region. They said a scaled integrated plant could reduce CO₂ emissions by 89% compared with landfilling.