GCC plastics production capacity hit 25.5 million tons in 2014

The plastics industry in the GCC is growing and becoming more diverse, according to the latest research by the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA). 

 

Dr. Abdulwahab Al- Sadoun, Secretary General of GPCA said that the region's plastic products manufacturers have posted growth despite market fluctuations and intensified competition. GCC  polymer producers and converters have also shown agility, flexibility and stability in the face of regional and global challenges.

 

GCC’s plastic capacity reached 25.5 million tons in 2014, a 6% increase from the previous year, according to the GPCA. Saudi Arabia leads with production of about 18.3 million tons or 72% of the region’s plastic resins production capacity.  The United Arab Emirates holds the region’s second largest plastic production capacity, representing 13% of the region’s polymer capacity.

 

Dr. Abdulwahab Al- Sadoun, Secretary General of GPCA 

 

 

GCC currentlly manufactures 13 products. By the end of the decade, the Gulf’s plastic manufacturers  will have 16 additional products to their portfolio for applications in the aviation, transport and food packaging sectors. Similarly, the GPCA forecasts that plastic capacity will reach 33.8 million tons by 2020, an estimated 25% increase from current capacity.

 

The dynamic plastics industry in the Gulf region is the focus of the 6th edition of PlastiCon, the annual international conference for plastics conversion. From January 11- 12, 2015, the conference will feature top executives from key plastic manufacturers in the region including Abdulaziz Alhajri, CEO of Borouge; Ziad S. Al-Labban, CEO, Sadara Chemical Company; Abdullah Bin Saleh Al Suwailem, CEO, PetroRabigh Company; and Mosaed Al-Ohali, Executive Vice-President – Polymers, Sabic among others.