Circular Economy in Action: How Middle Eastern Industries Are Turning Waste into Value
Publish date: 2025-08-19
The circular economy has become more than a sustainability buzzword in the Middle East, it is now a strategic imperative woven into national development plans, industry commitments, and investor expectations. As the GCC races to diversify its economies and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons, turning waste into value is no longer optional; it is a defining element of long-term competitiveness.
Across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the wider region, industries are beginning to implement circular solutions that recover resources, reduce landfill dependence, and create new revenue streams. While the journey is still in its early stages compared to more established global markets, the momentum is undeniable.
The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing markets for plastics, driven by packaging, retail, and industrial uses. At the same time, plastic waste has become a visible challenge for municipalities and a reputational risk for companies. To address this, GCC countries are scaling up plastics recycling. The UAE has introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for packaging, requiring producers to take accountability for waste management. Meanwhile, partnerships between petrochemical companies and global recyclers are advancing chemical recycling projects that transform plastic waste into new raw materials.
Across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the wider region, industries are beginning to implement circular solutions that recover resources, reduce landfill dependence, and create new revenue streams. While the journey is still in its early stages compared to more established global markets, the momentum is undeniable.
The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing markets for plastics, driven by packaging, retail, and industrial uses. At the same time, plastic waste has become a visible challenge for municipalities and a reputational risk for companies. To address this, GCC countries are scaling up plastics recycling. The UAE has introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for packaging, requiring producers to take accountability for waste management. Meanwhile, partnerships between petrochemical companies and global recyclers are advancing chemical recycling projects that transform plastic waste into new raw materials.
Source: Recycling Expo Middle East
