Duer and Al-Sadoun (right) at the agreement signing

The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) will collaborate with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste on promoting sustainable waste management and a transition to a circular economy in the GCC region.

The agreement aims at preventing plastic from leaking into the environment and encouraging the adoption of sustainable plastic waste management practices, said a statement.

Both parties have agreed to exchange their unique areas of expertise to support the delivery of impact-focused projects across and beyond the GCC.

The collective lessons learnt, best practice and perspectives of GPCA and the Alliance will be applied to develop, scale and replicate these projects, which include those that drive recycling, public engagement and other existing community-focused programmes.

Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, said: "I welcome the agreement between GPCA and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste to collaborate and promote opportunities for knowledge sharing, research and building awareness around the plastic waste management challenges facing the industry in the region and globally.

"GPCA and its members are committed to a circular economy, adopting sustainable plastic circularity design and we look forward to combining our local knowledge with the Alliance’s global network and expertise to promote forward-looking solutions on the plastic waste issue."

Jacob Duer, President and CEO of the Alliance, said: "As the Alliance, we are committed to driving action across the plastic value chain to help end plastic waste in the environment. The collaboration provides us with an important opportunity to learn from GPCA’s experience and leverage its technological advances. Combined with the insights and learnings from our projects in 30 countries, we are confident that this partnership will accelerate action and innovation to improve plastics circularity and unlock innovative waste management solutions across the GCC."