DUBAI: The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) held its fifth and final panel discussion for 2024 in repose to the urgent need for sustainable packaging solutions.
The event, titled ‘Packaging Innovation: Influence on Environment and Health’, highlighted the critical need for sustainable, cost-effective packaging that considers social and environmental impacts.
This discussion focused on the effects of packaging in modern society, its challenges and opportunities, and its influence on health and the environment.
The panel included EEG members and representatives from government, private sectors, and academia.
In her opening address, Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG, emphasised the impact of packaging choices on global health and the environment, urging collective action towards sustainable packaging innovation.
“Our packaging choices profoundly affect our planet and health. The innovations we pursue can either protect or harm future generations. Together, we must forge a path to susta
inable packaging,” she said.
The panel featured experts from various sectors, who shared insights on packaging and its environmental impacts. Attendees from public and private sectors joined an interactive QandA session, promoting critical discussions on industry challenges and opportunities.
Speakers included Dr. Iman Ibrahim, Dr. Salam Al Sharif, Omar Jaber, and Miguel Garat, who explored topics such as the environmental impact of packaging, sustainability breakthroughs, and the role of packaging in public health.
Dr. Ibrahim highlighted that 47 percent of plastic waste is from packaging, with the UAE spending US$700 million on packaging in 2024. She called for innovative, biodegradable designs suitable for food packaging.
Dr. Al Sharif noted the importance of beginning sustainable practices at home, promoting aluminium recycling and eco-friendly packaging.
In turn, Miguel Garat emphasised the need to transform recycled plastic into modular building solutions, highlighting the benefits of using plastic
s that might otherwise go to waste.
Omar Jaber, from CANPACK Middle East, stressed that collaboration is essential for achieving sustainable packaging goals, as diverse expertise is necessary to create a greener future.
The panel reviewed the industry’s role in sustainable development, emerging designs, and new policies. Key issues included the industry’s contribution to emissions, the economic impact of packaging, and the potential of AI and technology in design innovation.
Discussion also covered Sustainable Development Goals, such as Climate Action, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Good Health and Well-being.
The session concluded with a dynamic QandA. EEG has now held five panel discussions in 2024, addressing key topics such as sustainable packaging, climate fund transparency, and economic and social stability, bringing the total sessions since 1992 to 215. These year-round sessions were moderated by the EEG Co-Founder and Chairperson and organised with the Arabia CSR Network, supported by
the Emirates Green Building Council, the Clean Energy Business Council, and the Swiss Business Council.
Source: Emirates News Agency