Plastic Recycling Show ME&A, organised by Crain Communications and Media Fusion, was held between September 10 and 12, brought together plastics recycling professionals, generating new business leads, providing networking opportunities, and showcasing the latest innovations in plastics recycling. Exhibitors were able to elevate their company profiles, monitor competitors, and engage face-to-face with potential customers. The diversity and high level of attendees underscored the event’s effectiveness in driving growth and fostering connections in the plastics recycling market. 

The exhibition was inaugurated by His Excellency Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, Vice-Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Centre; Mr. Kinana Jamaluddin, Representative of Sultan Al Bohra, Syedna Muffadal Saifuddin; Mr. Taher Patrawala, Managing Director, Media Fusion; Mr. Matthew Barber, Director, Global Trade Shows & Sales Director, Crain Global Polymer Group; Mr. Sunu Nair, General Manager, Media Fusion; and other dignitaries.

“The GCC region is already on the fast track when it comes to sustainability. The UAE alone is working aggressively on its waste management practices and solutions, and plastics recycling is a significant part of its Net Zero Strategy 2050,” says Taher Patrawala, Managing Director, Media Fusion. “The continued overwhelming response to the Plastics Recycling Show Middle East and Africa showcases how well received the event is since its first edition last year. We had top visitors come in from across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. With our Dubai show established firmly and constantly working towards the region’s sustainability goals, we are looking forward to continuing to work with Crain Communications at our first PRS Show in India in Mumbai, this December,” he adds.

“PRS Middle East & Africa has really come of age this year, attracting representatives from every part of the region involved in the circular and sustainable use of plastics,” says Matt Barber, Global Events Director at Crain Communications. “The next event in the fast-expanding global PRS event portfolio will be PRS Asia in Singapore from 13-14 November and we look forward to repeating this success there and then again in Mumbai in December.”

The conference featured high-profile industry experts who explored the role of government policy, corporate responsibility, and technology in shaping the future of plastics recycling in the Middle East and Africa region. On agenda was the theme of building a circular economy, focusing on the necessary steps to create closed-loop systems. Discussions involved Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, the role of innovation in driving sustainability, and collaborative efforts between industry and government bodies. The speakers also weighed in on the latest innovations in recycling technologies, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and advancements in polymer recycling that are transforming how the industry processes and reuses plastic waste. 

Day 2 of PRSEMEA 2024 was dedicated to the theme of sustainability packaging. Industry leaders and sustainability experts from packaging companies and brands presented case studies from various sectors, discussing how businesses and governments are working together to close the loop on packaging materials. A key feature of the day was discussions on the regulatory framework and corporate responsibility, with a special focus on the role of packaging waste in the circular economy. Speakers delved into innovative packaging solutions, eco-design, and the role of consumer behaviour in achieving recycling targets. 

On Day 3, the panelists took a comprehensive look at the future of plastics recycling, discussing the role of technological innovations, such as chemical recycling, and how these advancements can help the industry meet its targets. The day also featured a session on financing for recycling initiatives, where the speakers delved into the challenges of security finance and funding for recycling projects in the MEA and India. 

The 3rd edition of PRS ME&A will be held from September 15-17, 2025, at Dubai World Trade Centre.