Industry issues a ministerial decision to regulate the circulation of drinking water packaged in recycled plastic containers

 As part of its efforts to promote the application of the circular economy and achieve sustainable economic development in the country, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology issued a ministerial decision regulating the circulation of drinking water packaged in recycled plastic containers, in order to enhance efforts to reduce emissions, achieve climate neutrality, and apply the circular economy.

The announcement of the issuance of the decision came on the sidelines of the Ministry's participation in the activities of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where the decision aims to stimulate the manufacturing system based on recycled plastic materials, according to specific requirements that ensure the achievement of the highest standards of preserving public health and food safety, as the decision comes within the strategic directions of the Ministry. To enhance the state's efforts to conserve resources, achieve their sustainability, and contribute to the implementation of the circular economic system.

Omar Al-Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, confirmed that the decision to regulate the circulation of recycled plastic drinking water containers contributes to achieving the strategic objectives of the ministry represented in strengthening the quality infrastructure and adding national value to the industrial sector in the national economy. It will also contribute to efforts to attract qualitative investments. By encouraging the expansion of the establishment of industries dealing with the recycling of reused drinking water bottles that serve the purposes of the circular economy.

He pointed out that the decision supports the sustainable development system, is in line with the vision and objectives of the current session of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, and will support the UAE's efforts to reduce emissions with the aim of achieving climate neutrality. The added value of this sector ranges between 80 and 300 million dirhams annually, and it will contribute to creating new job opportunities by supporting the recycling industry.

He explained that the decision was prepared in cooperation and consultation with the National Committee for Food Safety, the group of food and beverage manufacturers in the country, as well as specialists and researchers in the field of food and recycling, to ensure the safety and validity of recycled plastic packages.

The decision allows the use of recycled raw plastic materials “rPET” produced by recycling facilities for use in bottling drinking water according to several conditions, including that they must obtain the approval of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in accordance with registration procedures, and that they obtain a certificate of conformity in accordance with the UAE system for controlling tools. Food contact.

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