Abu Dhabi: The plastics industry in the GCC is evolving into a larger, more diverse and sustainable industry opening up channels for more consumers and new revenues, based on the latest research by the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA).
“The region’s plastic manufacturers have shown a consistent level of growth despite market fluctuations and increased competition,” said Dr Abdul Wahab Al Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA. “The region’s polymer producers and converters have demonstrated a sense of agility, flexibility and stability in the face of regional and global challenges.”
In 2014, the GCC’s polymer capacity reached 25.5 million tonnes, a 6% increase from the previous year, according to the GPCA. The United Arab Emirates holds the region’s second largest plastic production capacity, representing 13% of the region’s polymer capacity.
GPCA forecasts that plastic capacity will reach 33.8 million tonnes by 2020, an estimated 25% increase from current capacity.
The evolving plastics industry will be a key focus at the 6th edition of PlastiCon, the annual international conference for plastics conversion which will be held in Dubai from January 11- 12.
The conference will feature top executives from key plastic manufacturers in the region including Abdul Aziz Al Hajri, chief executive officer of Borouge; Ziad S. Al Labban, chief executive officer of Sadara Chemical Company and others.
