Inks strategic partnerships with Sweden, Austrian entities to speed up export momentum while reinforcing domestic market commitment; enhances circular economy and complements UAE’s net-zero ambitions by recycling 100% waste paper
Star Paper Mill, a prominent UAE-based manufacturer specialising in waste paper recycling, formalised two landmark global trade agreements during the Make it in The Emirates 2026 (Make It In The Emirates 2026) forum. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of H.E Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, underscoring the nation’s commitment to economic resilience and global trade leadership despite ongoing geopolitical challenges.
The strategic partnerships signed with Austria’s Henzel Sales and Sweden’s Ekman & Co. AB, were witnessed by Etienne Berchtold, Austrian ambassador to the UAE, and Fredrik Florén, Swedish ambassador to the UAE, respectively. This collaborative effort is designed to significantly scale Star Paper Mill’s operations, setting an ambitious target of 68,000 metric tonnes in recycled paper exports alongside a matching volume of supply for the domestic UAE market.
“These partnerships will enable us to reach new markets and consumer segments efficiently reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as a reliable and high-quality exporter of sustainable paper products. These collaborations will further enhance our growth journey, across global and domestic markets”, says Star Paper Mill Chairman Hussein Adam Ali.
On the export front, the partnership with Henzel Sales will help create a scalable, structured, and robust market engagement and entry model for new geographies efficiently. Ekman & Co. AB will look after the distribution within the UAE, strengthening domestic supply chains and enhancing customer engagement.
“The partnerships underscore the UAE’s deepening international trade relationships and its commitment to strengthening economic ties with key global partners. This milestone reflects the nation’s strategic focus on sustainable manufacturing, export growth, and industrial excellence, while reinforcing its position as a leading global trade hub. Through such partnerships, Star Paper Mill is well positioned to contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s non-oil economy and to the expansion of its global trade footprint,” says Majid Rasheed, Managing Director of Star Paper Mill.
The partnerships coincide with the upcoming official inauguration of Star Paper Mill’s AED 200 million recycled container board facility. Located in KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi), the mill is currently operational. The landmark facility, which spans 59,000 square metres, boasts a production capacity of 1,35,000 tonnes, reflecting the vision of the UAE’s leadership to foster sustainable industries.
“The collaboration reflects the strength of economic relations between Austria and the UAE. It demonstrates how industrial partnerships can create mutual value, drive innovation, and contribute to more sustainable global supply chains,” says Dr. Berchtold.
“Rooted in Sweden’s tradition of sustainable resource management and long-term thinking, this agreement reflects the strength of a partnership built on trust, sustainability, and shared ambition. With Ekman’s global experience, it goes beyond what is signed on paper, bringing Swedish expertise and Emirati vision together to create lasting impact and contribute to a more circular and resilient economy,” adds Florén.
On the export front, Star Paper Mill is targeting a wide geographic footprint, including the GCC, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, with the GCC region remaining its largest and most strategic export market. Demand for biodegradable recycled container boards used in the manufacture of corrugated cartons and paper bags is on the upswing across markets, particularly in the UAE and the GCC, approximately at an annual growth of 10 to 12%.
It is estimated that the UAE alone requires over 1 billion paper bags per year in retail, food service, and e-commerce sectors. The UAE has over 40 corrugating plants with an annual consumption of about 4,00,000 metric tonnes, representing roughly 59% of local production.
The UAE’s paper industry as a whole is well-positioned for export growth. With six recycled containerboard mills producing a combined 6,75,000 metric tonnes annually—valued at approximately AED 1.25 billion—the country has emerged as a net exporter of packaging materials. Local demand accounts for roughly 59% of production, leaving a significant surplus to serve international markets, thereby strengthening the UAE’s non-oil export economy.
