GPCA launches recycling drive

The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) is spearheading a regional initiative to promote a better understanding of the value of plastics, and encourage responsible litter disposal. Employees of GPCA member companies and the public joined the event on February 27 in Dubai at DP World’s Al-Hamriya Port, for the ‘Clean Up The Gulf’, a new annual campaign which the GPCA aims to become the largest environmental awareness initiative of its kind in the Gulf. “Plastics are part of everyday life and its role will only increase as more and more products we take for granted incorporate plastic materials,” said Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General of the GPCA. “But irresponsible littering behaviour combined with limited infrastructure for recycling in the region and complacency about proper waste disposal are tarnishing the image of a product, which is both economically valuable and eminently sustainable.”

Employees from SABIC, Borouge, PetroRabigh, EQUATE, Sahara, Tagleef and other GPCA member companies pledged their support. The GPCA estimates that less than 10 percent of plastic is recycled in the Gulf. Out of the 80 million tonnes of waste generated in the GCC each year, 33 percent constitutes the municipal solid waste. The percentage of plastic waste is noted to be 26 million tonnes per year, that is the result of high consumption of consumer products. www.gpca.org.ae