Julio Arboleda
Senior Fellow
KAPSARC
Julio, an economist and civil engineer with 18+ years in energy, recently joined KAPSARC as an oil market research fellow. He has consulted for global energy organizations, contributed to OPEC's World Oil Outlook, and advised governments. His experience spans energy policy, data analysis, and project development. Julio is passionate about sustainable energy and project management, with postgraduate studies in North America and Europe.
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Fuels and Molecules
Pathways to Net-Zero Refining and Petrochemical Facilities
Forum 16 | Digital Poster Plaza 3
30
April
10:00
12:00
UTC+3
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain—are prominent producers and consumers of plastics due to their robust petrochemical sectors. However, their plastic recycling rates remain low (~10%), with landfilling still dominant. As plastic waste surges globally—projected to exceed 1,200 million metric tons (MMT) by 2060—the GCC faces mounting pressure to enhance its waste management systems.
The report benchmarks the GCC's performance against global trends, noting that leading regions like the EU and South Korea already exceed 35–40% recycling rates due to cohesive regulations, infrastructure, and public engagement. By contrast, the GCC suffers from fragmented policies, limited public awareness, and underdeveloped recycling markets.
Two core recycling methods are highlighted: mechanical recycling, suited for clean and uniform plastic waste, and chemical recycling (e.g., pyrolysis, gasification, depolymerization), which is more versatile but costlier. The GCC’s low energy costs and industrial expertise make it strategically positioned to scale chemical recycling technologies. Case studies of regional initiatives—such as SABIC’s TRUCIRCLE in Saudi Arabia and DGrade in the UAE—show growing momentum in the plastic sector engagement.
Economically, the potential is significant. Achieving a 40% recycling rate could yield over USD 6 billion annually, create 50,000 jobs, and eliminate up to 12 million tons of CO₂ emissions per year. However, this would require USD 12–25 billion in investments by 2045 in infrastructure like sorting centers and recycling plants.
Policy recommendations include adopting region-wide policy schemes, harmonizing recycling standards, and fostering public-private partnerships. Investments in AI-powered sorting, innovation hubs, and public education are also crucial to close the implementation gap.
Ultimately, the report urges a shift from the current disposal-centric model to a circular plastic economy that integrates recycling into national economic and environmental strategies. With the right coordination and investment, the GCC can emerge as a global leader in sustainable plastic waste management.
The report benchmarks the GCC's performance against global trends, noting that leading regions like the EU and South Korea already exceed 35–40% recycling rates due to cohesive regulations, infrastructure, and public engagement. By contrast, the GCC suffers from fragmented policies, limited public awareness, and underdeveloped recycling markets.
Two core recycling methods are highlighted: mechanical recycling, suited for clean and uniform plastic waste, and chemical recycling (e.g., pyrolysis, gasification, depolymerization), which is more versatile but costlier. The GCC’s low energy costs and industrial expertise make it strategically positioned to scale chemical recycling technologies. Case studies of regional initiatives—such as SABIC’s TRUCIRCLE in Saudi Arabia and DGrade in the UAE—show growing momentum in the plastic sector engagement.
Economically, the potential is significant. Achieving a 40% recycling rate could yield over USD 6 billion annually, create 50,000 jobs, and eliminate up to 12 million tons of CO₂ emissions per year. However, this would require USD 12–25 billion in investments by 2045 in infrastructure like sorting centers and recycling plants.
Policy recommendations include adopting region-wide policy schemes, harmonizing recycling standards, and fostering public-private partnerships. Investments in AI-powered sorting, innovation hubs, and public education are also crucial to close the implementation gap.
Ultimately, the report urges a shift from the current disposal-centric model to a circular plastic economy that integrates recycling into national economic and environmental strategies. With the right coordination and investment, the GCC can emerge as a global leader in sustainable plastic waste management.
