UAE: Decree issued to regulate trade of recycled plastic water bottles

UAE: Decree issued to regulate trade of recycled plastic water bottles

UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has issued a decree regulating the trade of recycled plastic water bottles in line with top public health and food safety standards.

Announced at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023, the new ministerial decision contributes to the UAE’s commitment to preserving resources and supporting the shift to a circular economy.

It will help attract new investments by expanding the plastic recycling industry. It fits perfectly within the vision and objectives of the current edition of ADSW and supports the UAE’s net-zero goals. This is projected to reduce carbon emissions, enhance the national in-country value by AED80-300 million ($22-82 million) annually, and create jobs.

Quality infrastructure

Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, said: “The new decision is in line with the ministry’s strategic objective of enhancing quality infrastructure and the contribution of the industrial sector to national economy.”

He noted out that MoIAT was keen to engage all stakeholders in developing the decision. Representatives of the National Food Safety Committee and UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, food and recycling experts and researchers were consulted to ensure the containers are safe to use as water bottles.

Stipulations

The decision allows the use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) produced at MoIAT-approved