DUBAI – The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) has announced the successful run of the Dubai leg of its Waste-Free Environment (WFE) campaign, with community outreach activities taking place across the city since 18 February 2018.

In Dubai, activities included school visits where presentations on recycling alongside interactive learning experiences, competitions and quizzes, took place. GPCA staff will also interact with members of the public on Feb. 22 at an awareness kiosk set up at Mercato Mall where visitors can work with artisans in making handicraft from used plastics. Art activities for families, including a focus on creating awareness about recycling and the benefits of plastics, will also be available.

The campaign’s official recycling partner, Bee'ah, a leading integrated environmental and waste management company, will place a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) at the location, which attendees can use to deposit used plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Users will be given a receipt for each recyclable deposited, and will have a chance to win a special prize on the occasion.

Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, said “the campaign has evolved to include the participation of several global organizations, educational bodies and members of the community who have come together to give back to the environment. Plastics enhance every aspect of our modern lives and when properly managed can contribute more effectively and sustainably to the community. Through the campaign, we are supporting governmental initiatives to educate people, especially children on waste management practices and recycling so that it becomes a part of their everyday habits and lifestyle. We thank our members and volunteers for their enduring support of the campaign over the years.”

WFE is an annual environmental initiative led by GPCA and supported by its members. The Dubai event is sponsored by SABIC, Dow Chemicals, Shell, LyondellBasell, BASF and Cosmoplast, with WFE events in the broader region hosted by some of the top petrochemical companies across the GCC. The campaign will run across the six GCC states, India, Morocco, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Germany and the United States. — SG