Saudi Arabia is stepping up its efforts to increase the recycling and export of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) chips with the aim of creating environmental added value, attracting the European market, strengthening local industries and promoting a more sustainable future.
The Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, announced earlier this week that it has exported its first recycled and heat-washed PET flakes to a major UK-based recycled PET bottle manufacturer. This followed its successful entry into the European market with shipments to Spain, taking exports to over 1,650 tonnes.
The PET flakes are produced under the joint venture project of SIRC under YADOUM and MASAB.
In a statement, SIRC said that exporting recycled PET flakes to the UK is a significant step for YADOUM into the UK market, a region with huge potential for importing recyclable materials.
Fadel bin Saad Al-Buainain, a member of the Saudi Shura Council, told Asharq Al-Awsat that waste recycling is one of the promising sectors that will contribute to the economic diversification and sustainability of the circular economy.
“Exporting waste brings numerous benefits to the Kingdom, including eliminating hazardous waste, strengthening the circular economy, connecting the local recycling system to global markets and establishing important and diverse partnerships… in the context of quality global trade,” he explained.
According to Al-Buainain, YADOUM’s entry into the UK market, which offers enormous potential for importing recyclable materials, opens the door to broader and more comprehensive export activities, which in turn contribute to the disposal and economic use of waste.
He added that Germany, Austria, South Korea, Wales and Switzerland were among the most advanced countries in the waste recycling industry and underlined the need to benefit from global experience in legislation, regulations, investments and waste management.
For his part, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Professor of Economics at Qassim University, stressed that the recycling industry is considered one of the most promising sectors, both in terms of logistical support and direct financial support and concessional financing from government resources.
There are several benefits achieved through waste recycling, including improving environmental sustainability, mitigating the impact of pollution caused by the disposal of industrial and organic waste, conserving natural resources, protecting biodiversity, and improving the quality of life through environmental awareness and a suitable environment.
Al-Omar further stated that investments in this sector stimulate innovation and technology, promote research and development, and support green industries, which are an essential part of sustainable development.
