Six hundred Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) employees and their families joined in the launch of the 2014 Waste Free Environment initiative in Riyadh on Friday. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), unites nine cities across the Gulf, including three in Saudi Arabia — Riyadh, Jubail and Jeddah.

 

In addition to SABIC employees and their families, the Waste Free Environment initiative involves the participation of volunteers from government agencies, schools, and NGOs with an interest in environmental issues. The launch event in Riyadh included an exhibition, awareness lectures and entertainment activities to emphasize the importance of environment preservation as well as a clean-up exercise in the Thumamah area.

 

Total participation in the 2014 Waste Free Environment initiative is estimated to have more than trebled in comparison to the 2,500 people who participated in 2013. Last year’s campaign resulted in the collection of 10,000 kg of waste, of which 35 percent was recycled.

 

“The harmonization of industrial development and environment preservation is essential to achieve the pillars of sustainable development at SABIC,” said Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thunayan Al-Saud, chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu and chairman of SABIC. “Waste disposal is the responsibility of every citizen, as it plays a significant role in promoting the team spirit culture that helps keep our environment intact.”

 

According to data collected by GPCA, no more than 10 percent of plastic material is recycled in the Gulf region, while plastic waste constitutes 26 million tons of the total 80 million tons of waste produced in GCC countries annually.

 

“The Waste-Free Environment campaign highlights SABIC’s commitment to producing more sustainable plastics,” said SABIC Vice Chairman and CEO Mohamed Al-Mady.