Polymer capacity of six GCC countries to reach 33.8 million tonnes by 2020

DUBAI: The booming plastic industry in the GCC is evolving into a larger, more diverse and sustainable industry opening up channels for more consumers and new revenues, according to the latest research.

Plastic production capacity in the six GCC countries will reach 33.8 million tonnes by 2020, an estimated 25 per cent increase from current capacity, research by the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association ( GPCA) said.

"The region's plastic manufacturers have shown a consistent level of growth despite market fluctuations and increased competition," said Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA.

"The region's polymer producers and converters have demonstrated a sense of agility, flexibility and stability in the face of regional and global challenges," he said.

The evolving plastics industry will be a key focus at the 6th edition of PlastiCon, the annual international conference for plastics conversion Dubai from January 11- 12 here that will feature top executives from key plastic manufacturers in the region.

The United Arab Emirates holds the region's second largest plastic production capacity, representing 13 per cent of the region's polymer capacity.

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are the member states of GCC markets.

"By the end of the decade, we foresee a growing influence of this sector globally, when a 'Made in the GCC' label will be the norm, rather than an exception," he said.