Middle East & Africa launch Plastics Recycling Awards to drive circular economy

MEA – A new initiative to celebrate innovation and leadership in plastics recycling has been launched with the debut of the Plastics Recycling Awards Middle East and Africa (PRA ME&A).

The awards will recognize outstanding contributions to sustainable plastics management across the region, with winners to be unveiled during a high-profile ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Centre from September 15–17, 2025.

Organized alongside the Plastics Recycling Show Middle East & Africa (PRS ME&A), the awards will spotlight achievements in three categories: Recycling Machinery Innovation, Sustainable Plastic Packaging Company, and the Ambassador Award for individuals driving systemic change.

“These new awards will shine a spotlight on the region’s most forward-thinking recyclers, innovators, and sustainability champions,” said Taher Patrawala, Managing Director of Media Fusion.

“With countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia accelerating bold investments to achieve Net Zero 2030 goals, the timing couldn’t be better to celebrate the region’s progress and amplify the momentum.”

The launch builds on the success of the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe and the Plastics Recycling Awards India, introduced last year.

“It’s a great new opportunity to promote the organizations and individuals championing the circular use of plastics in this dynamic and fast-developing region,” noted Matt Barber, Global Events Director at Crain Communications.

Winners will receive an eco-designed trophy crafted from recycled polypropylene and 3D-printed recycled PET—symbolizing the awards’ sustainability ethos.

The awards come as momentum builds around recycling and circular economy strategies in the Middle East and Africa.

The UAE has rolled out nationwide bans on select single-use plastics, while Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in recycling infrastructure as part of its Vision 2030 sustainability agenda.

According to industry analysts, plastics recycling capacity in the region is expected to expand significantly over the next five years, driven by regulatory pressure, corporate sustainability commitments, and consumer demand.

PRS ME&A, which runs concurrently with the awards, brings together the full plastics recycling value chain, from machinery and sorting technology suppliers to material producers, recyclers, packaging specialists, and policymakers.

The event is part of a growing global network of Plastics Recycling Shows, now staged in Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, and Amsterdam.

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