Emirates Biotech to Transform PLA Bioplastics Industry
Global investment firm SS Royal KIT Emirates Investment and Global Biopolymers Industries have joined hands to establish Emirates Biotech, a new venture to transform the PLA bioplastics industry.
The company will spearhead the production and marketing of PLA biopolymers across the Middle East, Africa, and India, offering a sustainable and circular solution to replace traditional fossil fuel-based plastics. The environmental and economic advantages of PLA bioplastics – a polyester made from renewable biomass – over conventional plastics are measurable and significant.
Shaikh Suhail Ali Saeed Rashed Al-Maktoum and Dr. Shadi Jabari representing SS Royal Kit Emirates Investment signed the partnership agreement with Theodorus Everwijn of Global Biopolymers Industries. Formerly known as Gulf Biopolymers Industries, Emirates Biotech is headquartered in Dubai with a PLA production facility in KEZAD Free Zone, Abu Dhabi.
From left to right: Dr. Shadi Jabari, Marc Verbruggen – CEO of Emirates Biotech, Shaikh Suhail Ali Saeed Rashed Al-Maktoum and Hasan Hadi Saad Khalaf at Emirates Biotech headquarters in Dubai, UAE.“Our participation in Emirates Biotech underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering sustainability in the UAE and beyond. By investing in PLA bioplastics, we are taking a proactive step towards building a more eco-conscious society for generations to come, aligning with the UAE’s vision outlined in the Green Agenda 2030,” says Shaikh Suhail.
“PLA biopolymers are one of the key innovations to lower society’s carbon footprint and combat global plastic pollution,” says Everwijn. “By joining forces with SS Royal Kit Emirates Investment we will be able to accelerate this transition and reinforce the position of the UAE as a leading country towards a more sustainable society.”
Marc Verbruggen has been appointed CEO of Emirates Biotech. With over 10 years of experience in the PLA bioplastics industry, he is known for his expertise in turning start-ups into global providers of bio-based polymer solutions. “The transition to bioplastics is not just a choice. If one wants to reduce the plastic impact on landfills and oceans, it’s a necessity,” says Verbruggen.
The company plans to start commercial operations by early 2025 and begin construction of its PLA production plant before 2026.
