Emirates Biotech, a joint venture between UAE-based SS Royal Kit Emirates Investment and Hong Kong’s Global Biopolymers Industries (GBI), has announced plans to establish the world’s largest Polylactic Acid (PLA) production facility in the UAE as reported by Zawya. The project will utilize advanced technology from Swiss company Sulzer and is poised to significantly contribute to the global shift towards sustainable materials. PLA bioplastics are a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics, commonly used in packaging and disposable utensils, and play a vital role in reducing reliance on single-use plastics.

The facility will be located within Abu Dhabi’s KEZAD free trade zone, with land for the project already secured. The development will proceed in two phases, each with an annual production capacity of 80,000 tonnes, culminating in a total output of 160,000 tonnes per year. The project entails a total investment of approximately $800 million, evenly divided across the two phases. According to Zawya, Emirates Biotech CEO Marc Verbruggen emphasized that construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with the plant expected to commence production in early 2028. Initially, the facility will source plant-based lactic acid (LA) feedstock from global markets to support production.

Verbruggen emphasized the untapped potential for bioplastics in the region, where bio-plastics represent less than one percent of total plastic production—significantly lagging behind markets in Europe and the Americas. The company aims to distribute its PLA biopolymers locally within the UAE and neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. Additionally, it will target key international markets, including India, Turkey, and Europe, to meet rising global demand for sustainable materials.

Sulzer will supply advanced technology for an integrated production process, encompassing lactide production, purification, and polymerization—all within a single facility. Emirates Biotech shareholder Shaikh Suhail Ali Saeed Rashed Al-Maktoum stressed the project’s strategic goal of positioning the UAE as a global leader in eco-friendly material production. Dorus Everwijn, President of GBI, praised Sulzer’s expertise and innovation, which will support the development of a world-class PLA production facility, setting new industry benchmarks.

Tim Schulten, President of Sulzer’s Chemtech division, affirmed the project’s alignment with the UAE’s sustainability goals, noting its role in transitioning to greener materials. Emmanuel Rapendy, Chemtech’s Global Head of Polymers and Crystallization, highlighted Sulzer’s commitment to energy efficiency, ensuring minimal energy input is required for the facility’s operations.

The plant’s annual production will replace the equivalent of 3.2 billion plastic bottles and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 300,000 tonnes each year. By integrating innovative technologies and leveraging strategic partnerships, Emirates Biotech aims to redefine sustainable production, positioning the UAE as a leader in the global bioplastics market while fostering environmental stewardship and economic growth.