Maryam Al Mansoori is the general manager at Rebound Plastic Exchange, a UAE-based trading platform for recycled plastics
April 11, 2023
Removing plastic from the environment has become an increasingly challenging task. Globally, only 9 per cent of plastic waste is recycled while 22 per cent is mismanaged every year, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans is causing severe environmental problems, including harm to wildlife and ecosystems. It is crucial to find innovative solutions to reduce plastic production and increase recycling rates.
Over the years, several South-east Asian countries have stopped purchasing plastic waste. When China stopped buying the world’s discarded plastics in 2017, it threw markets into turmoil. With volumes increasing every year, this decision forced the global recycling industry to rethink its organisation and find new outlets for plastic waste. Although China's decision in particular was initially regarded as a challenge, it was also a great opportunity for the recycling sector in other countries such as the UAE.
Bales of aluminum collected to be recycled at Bee’ah’s waste recovery facility at the Sharjah Landfill Company. The National
The Emirates is in a prime position to become a global recycling hub, and measures are being systematically implemented to achieve this objective. It has taken the lead in creating a framework for Single Use Plastic Policy and implemented a ban on non-biodegradable plastic products.
Recognising the need for disruptive solutions, the UAE government has been supportive in nurturing the launch of the first Plastic Recycling Exchange – an Emirati export to the world. Abu Dhabi has established the Centre for Waste Management to control and co-ordinate all activities related to sustainable waste management. Sharjah, on the other hand, is working towards 100 per cent landfill diversion targets set for the emirate.
As we approach Cop28, the UAE’s plastics recycling sector has been developing dynamically. A recycling plant that can handle 12,000 tonnes of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) a year has been earmarked for Abu Dhabi. In line with the UAE’s efforts to reduce plastic pollution and boost trade through the export of recycled materials, the plant will recycle PET, a plastic material that is used in food packaging, such as plastic water bottles. The 40,000 square metre facility in Abu Dhabi could create 100 jobs and avoid the emission of 18,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually when at full operating capacity.
The development is in line with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s recent decree regulating the trade of recycled plastic water bottles. It aims to encourage the manufacturing of water bottles using recycled plastic in line with top public health and food safety standards. This is projected to reduce and avoid 50,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, enhance the national in-country value by Dh150 million ($40.8 million) annually, and create more than 1,000 jobs.
Thanks to investments and a favourable regulatory environment, the UAE is on its way to become a hub for plastic recycling by taking advantage of both China’s decision and the government’s support of a range of initiatives including recycling technologies, and improving the waste management infrastructure.
With its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and commitment to sustainability, the UAE is attracting investments from international recycling companies and positioning itself as a leader in the circular economy. To move forward, the plastic recycling industry must be scaled up even further on all fronts to achieve a circular economy for plastics in the Emirates.
First, collection and sorting technologies play an important role in ensuring increased efficiency and performance of a properly functioning waste-management system. Although the advancements in recycling and sorting technologies have greatly improved in the past years, more investments, as well as research and development, are needed to continuously enhance the quality of recycled material.
Second, we must develop a collaborative mindset towards plastic recycling to create a strong environment for green financing. The OECD had said that “trade can provide potential opportunities towards a global circular economy by channelling waste and materials to destinations where there is comparative advantage in sorting and processing these materials”.
Rebound Plastic Exchange allows buyers and sellers to efficiently trade plastic with trust and confidence, while increasing the efficiency of recycling plastic at scale. Ultimately, this delivers positive economic impacts to the recycling industry, and helps reduce the impact of plastic pollution on our planet.
The UAE’s sustainability targets can be met only if we reach beyond the low-hanging fruit. Individuals and consumer behaviour form the foundation of an entire ecosystem. Hence, working towards an advanced plastic recycling ecosystem is a must. A stronger circular economy depends on the successful separation of materials at the point of production. Given that the output is used across industries, mechanical and advanced recycling technologies are complementary and essential.
The UAE is renowned for capacity building and cutting-edge technologies. Now, its industry must re-evaluate its model by accelerating innovations to satisfy the increasing market demand for recycled plastics. The real transformation can be achieved by working collaboratively with all stakeholders and creating a regulatory framework that will foster conditions for sustainable and fully circular plastics recycling.
With data as the basis for all decision-making, Rebound Plastic Exchange has a key role to play while contributing significantly to the UAE's efforts towards sustainable development and helping it establish itself as a key player in the region's circular economy.
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks.
“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.
“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
