Awards series to recognize best-practice contributions, as well as emerging talent, to the plastics industry

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Nominations can now be received for the 8th Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Plastics Excellence Awards recognizing industry excellence, best practice and innovation across the entire polymer value chain in the Arabian Gulf region.

Scheduled to take place alongside the 9th GPCA PlastiCon on 14 March 2018, the awards will bestow accolades on companies and individuals across six different categories for their outstanding initiatives and achievements in the field of plastics conversion, plastics process improvement and new product development.

A judging panel comprising leading experts from the plastic and downstream industries in the GCC will determine the winning entries in the fields of material use, design, manufacturing, processes and environmental sustainability.

In line with GPCA’s efforts to promote innovation and collaboration among different industry stakeholders, joint development and improvement projects between plastic producers and converters as well as machinery manufacturers will be distinguished as part of the awards.

A special student category entitled ‘Fikra: Rising Stars of the Plastics Industry Competition’ will award students for their exceptional contribution to the field of plastic research.

Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), commented: “Now in their 8th edition, the GPCA Plastics Excellence Awards offer a unique platform for the entire plastics industry to come together and celebrate their achievements in innovation, sustainability and performance excellence. As one of the most innovative and groundbreaking sectors in the region, the polymer industry continues to lead the way in research and innovation, product development and advancing the sustainability agenda, setting an example for regional organizations and positioning the GCC as a global innovation hub.”

He added, “As such, GPCA Plastics Excellence Awards will play a pivotal role in shining the spotlight on the industry’s high achievers, including the younger generation with a special student category ‘Fikra: Rising Stars of the Plastics Industry Competition’.”

Over the years, the GPCA Plastic Excellence Awards has attracted over 230 entries from across the region, recognizing 30 exceptional ideas and products to date.

The final deadline to submit nominations is 25th January, 2018.

In no particular order, the list of categories is as follows:

Category 1: Joint development/improvements of new product/application – Resin producer and plastic converter

Category 2: Joint process improvement projects from an international machinery manufacturer and local plastic converter

Category 3: Innovative and new plastic products and processes

Category 4: Best sustainability initiatives in the plastics conversion industry

Category 5: Best researcher in plastics and plastic conversion

Category 6: Fikra: Rising stars of the plastics industry.

For the entire list of last year’s winners and shortlist, please visit http://www.gpcaplastics.com/about-awards/winners-2017/.  

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© Press Release 2018