Star Paper Mill signs export partnerships with Heinzel Sales, Ekman, targeting 68,000T of recycled paper exports

UAE – Star Paper Mill has signed partnership agreements with Heinzel Sales and Ekman & Co., targeting 68,000 metric tonnes of recycled paper exports while supplying a similar volume locally, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a sustainable manufacturing hub.

The announcements were made during Make It In The Emirates 2026 in the presence of H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and the ambassadors of Austria and Sweden. 

Under the agreements, Heinzel Sales will support market expansion into new international geographies, while Ekman & Co. AB will oversee distribution activities within the UAE to strengthen local supply chains and customer engagement.

A 100% Recycled Paper Operation

The announcement comes as Star Paper Mill advances operations at its AED 200 million (approximately US$54.4 million) recycled containerboard facility in KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi). 

The mill, built on a 59,000-square-metre site, has an annual production capacity of 135,000 tonnes and operates using 100 percent waste paper recycling, supporting the UAE’s circular economy and sustainability objectives. 

Demand for biodegradable recycled containerboard used in corrugated packaging and paper bags continues to grow across the UAE and GCC markets, supported by increasing consumption in retail, food service, and e-commerce sectors.

Export Growth Strategy

Hussein Adam Ali, Chairman of Star Paper Mill, explained that these partnerships will enable the company to reach new markets and consumer segments efficiently, reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as a reliable exporter of sustainable paper products. 

Star Paper Mill is targeting export growth across the GCC, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, with the GCC remaining its primary market.

UAE’s Paper Industry Landscape

According to industry estimates, the UAE paper industry currently operates six recycled containerboard mills with a combined annual production capacity of approximately 675,000 metric tonnes, positioning the country as a net exporter of packaging materials. 

Majid Rasheed, Managing Director of Star Paper Mill, stated that the partnerships underscore the UAE’s deepening international trade relationships and its commitment to strengthening economic ties with key global partners.

Diplomatic Endorsement

H.E. Dr. Etienne Berchtold, Ambassador of Austria to the UAE, noted that the collaboration reflects the strength of economic relations between Austria and the UAE, demonstrating how industrial partnerships can contribute to more sustainable global supply chains. 

H.E. Fredrik Florén, Ambassador of Sweden, added that rooted in Sweden’s tradition of sustainable resource management, this agreement reflects a partnership built on trust, sustainability, and shared ambition.

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