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Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) will focus on the circular economy and innovation during its 5th Research and Innovation Summit and 9th GPCA PlastiCon, taking place at the Oberoi, Business Bay, Dubai, on 11-13 March and 14-15 March respectively. Both conferences are key to the advancement of the chemical and petrochemical industry in the Arabian Gulf region, bringing both regional and industry perspectives on issues of strategic significance.
This year’s edition of GPCA PlastiCon, an annual event that caters to the plastics segment of the petrochemical industry, will focus on the changing regulatory environment and increasing expectations that the plastics industry adopt more sustainable practices. The various sessions will draw from expert knowledge of the circular economy, and focus on recycling, regulation and export opportunities. PlastiCon will also host the 8th GPCA Plastics Excellence Awards, recognizing innovation in plastics conversion industry and regional vocational and academic institutions.
In order to create a culture of innovation within the regional chemical industry, the fifth GPCA Research and Innovation Summit, under the theme ‘Capitalizing on innovation: A growth imperative’, will address the theme from both process and environmental angles. This year’s summit will focus on opportunities within startups and technology incubators, while highlighting specific success stories within innovation in the Arabian Gulf petrochemical and chemical industry. Furthermore, experts will highlight advances in polymer downstream innovation that remains a key growth driver.
The opening address at PlastiCon will be delivered by Ahmad Omar Abdulla, CEO, Borouge and Chairman, Plastics Committee, GPCA, with keynote speakers on day 1 including Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, EVP – Petrochemicals, SABIC, and Javier Constante, Commercial VP, Packaging and Specialty Plastics - Europe, Middle East, Africa, DOW Europe.
Keynote speakers at Research and Innovation Summit include Dr. David Hounshell, Roderick Professor, Emeritus, Technology and Social Change, Carnegie Mellon University, US, and opening remarks by Dr. Moayyed Al-Qurtas, Chairman of GPCA’s Research and Innovation Committee.
Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented, “The plastics industry is already moving towards sustainability and the pace of adoption must be accelerated to deliver real value to the business, environment and society at large. This year’s PlastiCon is specifically aimed at increasing awareness and educating the industry on reducing environmental impact.”
He continued, “Such an impact can be delivered only through meaningful innovation that is derived from an understanding of the unique needs of the region. The Arabian Gulf chemical industry must work towards maintaining a vibrant and sustainable innovation lifecycle to overcome any uncertainties, anticipate and surpass hurdles to achieving business impact, and maximize opportunities for future growth. These themes and more will be tackled at the Research and Innovation Summit.”
On 13th of March, day 2 of the Research and Innovation Summit, GPCA will host an exclusive student seminar as part of its Leaders of Tomorrow initiative, which aims to build local human capital in the region, and bridge the gap between industry and academia.
For more information on PlastiCon, please visit http://www.gpcaplastics.com/ and further details on the Research and Innovation Summit are available at http://www.gpcaresearch.com/.
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About the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association
The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) was established in 2006 to represent the downstream hydrocarbon industry in the Arabian Gulf. Today, the association voices the common interests of more than 250 member companies from the chemical and allied industries, accounting for over 95 percent of chemical output in the GCC. The industry makes up the second largest manufacturing sector in the region, producing over US$108 billion worth of products every year.
GPCA supports the petrochemical and chemical industry in the Arabian Gulf through advocacy, networking and thought leadership initiatives aimed at helping member companies to connect, share and advance knowledge, contribute to international dialogue, and become prime influencers in shaping the future of the global petrochemicals industry.
Committed to providing a regional platform for stakeholders from around the world, GPCA manages six working committees – Plastics, Supply Chain, Fertilizers, International Trade, Research and Innovation, and Responsible Care – and organizes six world-class events each year. The association also publishes an annual report, regular newsletters and various other industry reports.
For more information, visit www.gpca.org.ae.
Contact:
Slavka Atanasova
Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association
P. O. Box 123055,
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
T: + 9714 451 0666 Ext. 126 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting
E: communications@gpca.org.ae
