Emirates Environmental Group Hosts Final 2024 Panel on Sustainable Packaging Innovations
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) held its fifth and concluding panel discussion for 2024, addressing the critical need for sustainable packaging under the theme “Packaging Innovation: Influence on Environment and Health.” The event focused on the social, economic, and environmental impact of packaging and highlighted the necessity for innovations that are both sustainable and cost-effective.
In her opening address, EEG Co-Founder and Chairperson Habiba Al Mar’ashi underscored the significant role that packaging plays in global health and environmental outcomes. “Our packaging choices profoundly affect our planet and health. The innovations we pursue can either protect or harm future generations. Together, we must forge a path to sustainable packaging,” she stated, calling for collective action to drive sustainable change.
The panel gathered experts from government, academia, and the private sector, including Dr. Iman Ibrahim, Dr. Salam Al Sharif, Omar Jaber, and Miguel Garat, who each explored different facets of packaging’s impact on the environment. Dr. Ibrahim noted that 47% of plastic waste in the UAE originates from packaging, with $700 million spent on packaging in 2024 alone. She stressed the urgent need for biodegradable alternatives in food packaging. Dr. Al Sharif emphasized the importance of sustainable practices starting in the home, advocating for aluminium recycling and eco-friendly choices.
Miguel Garat highlighted innovations in modular building materials from recycled plastics, underscoring the practical benefits of utilizing plastics that might otherwise contribute to environmental pollution. Omar Jaber of CANPACK Middle East emphasized that achieving sustainability goals requires cross-sector collaboration, where shared expertise can drive impactful change.
Key topics included the role of the packaging industry in emissions reduction, advancements in AI for sustainable design, and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals like Climate Action, Responsible Consumption, and Good Health. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where participants from public and private sectors engaged in discussions on industry challenges and opportunities.
The EEG’s 2024 panel series, which tackled issues from sustainable packaging to climate fund transparency, has added to its legacy of 215 discussions since 1992. The sessions, supported by the Arabia CSR Network, Emirates Green Building Council, Clean Energy Business Council, and the Swiss Business Council, reflect EEG’s ongoing commitment to fostering environmental awareness and promoting sustainability across the UAE.
