Domestic Sector - Growing preference for bio-based products

With the region's focus on environmentfriendly products, the use of biodegradable materials will emerge as an important trend especially in the packaging sector. "PET has established itself as the polymer of choice with its sustainability profile and packaging efficiency. The continued growth of convenience living demands packaging that allows for mobility and individual portions. PET answers the call on all counts," said William J. Barenberg Jr, Chief Operating Officer, OCTAL. PET sheets are an essential material in many foodpackaging applications such as baked goods, yoghurts, produce, meat, cheeses and others.

OCTAL feels a continued growth for sheets in both consumer products and dairy.  "Octal DPET PET sheet specially formulated for both consumer products and dairy will continue to see strong growth. In addition, OCTAL's fast reheat resin, with low dust bead shape and easy processing is expected to see strong penetration on a global basis," Mr. Barenberg adds.

OCTAL intends to support its customer based globally with continued investment in regional recycling extrusion and continues to investigate new opportunities to proliferate its DPET technology as entire market segments continue to convert from OPS and PVC to PET. "The Middle East is seeing strong growth in both clear rigid food packaging for ready to eat meals and for cultured and liquid dairy products. In addition, the modified atmosphere packaging segment for meats and cheeses continues to grow rapidly," said Mr. Barenberg.

According to Mohammad Nofal, General Manager at Duplas Al Sharq LLC: "We believe there is going to be considerable demand for disposable packaging for lube oil, surface treatment and household cleaning chemicals, personal care products and bottled water segments. These sectors are growing considerably and demand is expected to grow in 2013." Duplas Al Sharq L.L.C is a plastic manufacturing company, engaged in the production of high quality PE, PET, PP and PC bottles and closures.

However, factors such as price, market stability and a general sense of confidence will be paramount in determining the regional of high growth. "We plan to introduce high barrier bags for vacuum packaging of meat, beef, chicken and sea food etc. These are made from co-extruded films in 7 and 5 layers out of various combinations of EVOH, Polyamide (PA) and PE." success of this industry. "I believe resin price stability and reliability of cash flows in the supply chain will be major factors impacting operations in the Middle East and regional markets. However, the overall sense of confidence in the region is equally important as stability in the market is partially brought in by buyers and consumers feeling that the market holds potential and the industries still have a lot to offer,"Mr. Nofal explains.