THE WHAT? Unilever Gulf and Bee’ah have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore an end-to-end integrated plastic recycling management system in the UAE.

THE DETAILS The pair will collaborate on ambitious plans for a new recycling plant in the UAE, undertaking feasibility studies to jointly invest in the facility, which would produce 14,400 tonnes of recycled higyh-density polyethylene and polypropylene annually. Both companies will also explore the use of reverse vending machines to help collect plastic waste.

“Bee’ah is leading the charge for sustainability and a circular economy in the UAE. This agreement with Unilever addresses plastic pollution through a holistic approach and how Bee’ah can become a strategic partner that supports companies with their environmental, social and governance targets,” said Khaled Al Huraimel, Bee’ah Group CEO.

“At Unilever, we believe that our packaging is our responsibility and while plastic has its place, that place is not the environment. We are therefore committed to collecting more than we sell, to ensure the development of a circular economy locally and are delighted to partner with Bee’ah on this important agenda,” said Sanjiv Kakkar, Executive Vice President of Unilever MENA, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus & Turkey.

THE WHY? The plan chimes with both Unilever’s wider sustainability commitments and the UAE’s Vision 2021 scheme to divert waste from landfill.