Industrial Circular Economy Policy framework was unveiled to accelerate Abu Dhabis transition towards a smart and sustainable economy

To hasten Abu Dhabi's shift to a smart and sustainable economy, a new circular economy framework has been revealed, according to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). The Industrial Circular Economy Policy framework will encompass major sectors to reach 100% compliance by 2030, with 100% compliance within the plastic manufacturing sector by 2025. Its goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in industrial process waste, or at least 40,000 tonnes yearly.

As a component of the six transformational programmes of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS), the new framework will direct industrial enterprises in the more responsible use of resources by minimising waste and environmental impact and maximising the value and lifecycle of products and materials through more effective resource utilisation. It has the potential to transform the industrial environment and provide long-term, steady economic growth.

A hundred percent of scrap will be recovered and reused in the plastic and metal industries under the programme, which will have a good effect on a number of subsectors including electronics, electricals, machinery, fabricated metal products, and more. By 2025, the IDB guarantees complete compliance in the plastic manufacturing industry as mandated by regulations.

The traditional "take-make-dispose" linear paradigm gives way to the circular economy framework as Abu Dhabi transitions to a smart, diverse, inclusive, and sustainable economy. It is anticipated that the framework will be put into place in the second quarter of 2024, under the direction of the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), the ADDED's division responsible for developing and regulating the industrial sector.

In order to promote the adoption of circular economy policies and concepts by industrial entities, ADDED is setting up awareness-raising programmes and providing incentive programmes. To guarantee that all industries embrace circular economy practises, specialised monitoring, reporting, and verification mechanisms, including audits, inspections, and enforcement, will be put into place.