The UAE produces 2.4 million tonnes of polymers, commanding a share of 10 per cent of the total GCC production of 23.9 million tonnes, according to petrochemical industry experts.

This was revealed at the launch of ArabPlast 2015, a trade show for plastics, rubber and petrochemicals in the region, which will run from January 10 to 13 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (Dicec).

More than 1,100 exhibitors from 45 countries have confirmed participation at the biennial event.

UAE-based Borouge will be the principal sponsor for the event, which will feature 18 country pavilions, the largest of which will be that of Saudi Arabia. Tasnee will be the diamond sponsor, while Natpet is on board as the gold sponsor and Emirates will be the official airlines for the event.

Several new products in plastics and petrochemicals industries will be launched by industry leaders, according to Al Fajer Information and Services, co-organisers of the show along with German exhibition organiser Messe Dusseldorf.

Satish Khanna, general manager, Al Fajer, said: “The 2015 edition of ArabPlast has been billed as one of the fastest growing trade shows in any sector in the Middle East, with projections of attracting 34,000 trade visitors from 111 countries. Top notch companies are gearing up for participation in ArabPlast that will be held from January 10 to 13, 2015.

“We invite all industry players to visit and get insights into newest advancements in plastics, petrochemicals and other relevant industries, including machineries and solutions.”

Jeen Joshua, group project manager of Arabplast, said: “Among the highlights will be the presence of the biggest Saudi Arabian and Indian pavilion since the launch of the show. The scale of participations demonstrates the rising status of ArabPlast on the global plastics and petrochemicals scene.”

Meanwhile, Al Fajer has unveiled a new advance portal with advanced technology and applications, on the sidelines of announcing the event.

ArabPlast 2015 is among the largest machinery selling shows, with over 150 containers of machines to be brought in from across the world. To its credit, Arabplast also has the most advanced show website with many user friendly features, said the statement.

“The GCC is truly the centre of gravity for the Gulf petrochemical industry, with huge local and external investments and global major players partnering with local companies projecting to increase the share of GCC region in the production of petrochemicals,” said Joshua.

The rising demand from Asia and increasing European appetite for Middle Eastern products are also helping absorb the surge in production of plastics and petrochemicals by fast-expanding GCC manufacturers.

“The growth of this show reflects the high global demand for plastics and its raw materials and of course the machines. ArabPlast 2015 is registering a dramatic increase in the number of exhibitors, sponsors and display space,” he said.
 
The new products and technologies on show at the event will include those from injection moulding, blow moulding, wrapping and packaging, pre and post plastic processing techniques as well as raw materials, such as masterbatches, additives and polymers.

“The show will cover a wide spectrum of plastic machinery, plastic/rubber processing technology, pre and post-processing systems, plastic packaging technology, injection moulding, blow moulding, wrapping technology, extrusions, chemicals and additives, semi finished goods, engineering plastics and plastic products,” Khanna added. - TradeArabia News Service