The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) recently orchestrated a significant initiative, hosting a workshop tailored for UAE food manufacturers with a specific focus on recycled plastic packaging. The primary aim of the session was to disseminate key insights into MoIAT’s pivotal project centered around permitting the use of recycled plastic for food packaging. The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of the technical and safety requisites concerning recycled plastic materials intended for food contact. Participants were also acquainted with the procedural aspects of obtaining conformity certification for such materials.
The workshop proved an invaluable platform, enlightening manufacturers and suppliers about Federal Law Decree No. 20 of 2015, which pertains to food contact materials. The imperative role of this law in bolstering manufacturing endeavors and fostering sustainable production practices was underscored. Additionally, the workshop introduced noteworthy updates regarding the inclusion of rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) on the list of products eligible for the ECAS Food Contact Material certificate.
With attendance from over 70 representatives hailing from food manufacturing, packaging companies, plastic recycling firms, and members of the Circular Packaging Association, the workshop encompassed diverse stakeholders. A prominent feature of the event was the presentation delivered by MoIAT’s Standards and Technical Regulations sector. This presentation furnished a comprehensive panorama of services pertaining to food contact materials, encompassing applications, safety protocols, and quality standards. The workshop further catered to queries from manufacturers and suppliers, ensuring a robust and interactive engagement.
Dr. Farah Ali Al Zarooni, the Assistant Undersecretary of the Standards and Regulations Sector, articulated MoIAT’s proactive efforts in enhancing industry awareness and cultivating high-quality investment avenues in alignment with production efficiency and sustainability goals. Dr. Al Zarooni’s vision harmonizes with MoIAT’s overarching strategic objectives, which encompass creating an inviting business ecosystem for local and international investors and propelling the growth and competitiveness of national industries. The initiatives align seamlessly with the UAE’s commitment to COP28, encapsulating recycling’s role in curating a circular economy, mitigating plastic pollution, and reducing emissions.
Dr. Al Zarooni underlined MoIAT’s commitment to inclusive involvement, inviting opinions from both public and private sectors. The Ministry steadfastly supports projects that advocate for recycled plastic adoption in food and beverage packaging, a facet that resonates with its commitment to enhancing infrastructure quality and bolstering the industrial sector’s contribution to the national economy.
MoIAT’s larger aspiration orbits around attracting investments by fostering the expansion of sustainable recycling-related industries. This trajectory mirrors the UAE’s dedication to promoting circular economy endeavors, fostering a novel investment approach within the packaging and labeling domain.
The advanced quality infrastructure system in the UAE, overseen collaboratively by the Ministry and federal and local partners, was highlighted by Dr. Al Zarooni. MoIAT’s efforts function as a linchpin in stimulating economic growth, ensuring national sustainability, and realizing the UAE’s circular economy ambitions. The resultant outcomes translate into an augmented industrial sector performance, higher efficiency, and elevated product quality.
The workshop delved into the specifics of the decree that sanctions the utilization of recycled plastic for food packaging. The event garnered commendable response and resonance from companies, individuals, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders alike.
The decree’s provisions mandating the use of recycled plastic entail meticulous documentation showcasing the establishment’s adept implementation of quality systems and best practices. It further necessitates a comprehensive report attesting that the recycled product has successfully cleared tests administered by a certified laboratory within the UAE. The veracity of health and safety compliance, encompassing migration tests for packaging materials, is a non-negotiable criterion. Additionally, a risk assessment report is mandated to ensure the excellence and safety of recycled raw materials earmarked for food and beverage packaging.
Earlier this year, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023, MoIAT unveiled Federal Law No. 105 of 2022, an epoch-making legislation related to the use of recycled plastic bottles for bottled drinking water circulation. The decree serves as a pivotal tool to invigorate recycling across industries, meticulously aligned with paramount public health and food safety standards. Furthermore, it dovetails with the Ministry’s strategic trajectory, amplifying the UAE’s resource conservation and sustainability efforts, ultimately fueling the circular economy.
