In the global fight against plastic pollution, compostable plastics often draw strong reactions; hailed by some as a breakthrough, dismissed by others as greenwashing.

As policymakers, brand owners, and manufacturers gather to debate packaging regulations and climate goals, one principle should guide us: compost where it makes sense.

The GCC’s Plastic Waste Dilemma

The Gulf region faces a unique challenge. According to the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), 13-14% of all municipal solid waste in the GCC is plastic. Each person in the region generates around 65 kg of plastic waste annually, of which only 10% is recycled. The majority - 87% - goes to landfill, and 3% is mismanaged, leaking into the environment or being exported.

This is not just a waste management issue but a symptom of a system that wasn’t designed for circularity. Plastics were engineered for durability, not disposal. Yet our consumption of single-use packaging is inherently short-term.

At the same time, food waste across the GCC is rising. In a region with scarce arable land and strained water resources, organic waste ending up in landfill represents a double loss: wasted nutrients and increased emissions.

Despite growing sustainability ambitions, the Gulf still lacks the waste separation infrastructure that many European countries have spent decades developing. Plastics and organics often end up in the same bin, destined for landfill. 

Compostable Plastics: A Targeted Opportunity

This is where compostable plastics, such as Polylactic Acid (PLA), can play a meaningful role - not everywhere, but in the right places.

In controlled environments like airports, stadiums, office cafeterias, quick-service restaurants, and large events, compostable packaging can help simplify waste streams. Instead of separating food scraps from contaminated plastic containers, compostables allow packaging and food waste to be collected and processed together.

This improves recovery rates and supports the expansion of composting infrastructure. By diverting organic waste away from landfill, composting reduces methane emissions and helps close the nutrient loop, contributing to food security and soil health.

International examples, from San Francisco to parts of South Korea, show that this model works when supported by the right policies. 

There is also a compelling business case. Compostable packaging, when correctly labelled and collected, can increase efficiency in food service operations and improve hygiene. For brands looking to align with ESG goals, switching to compostables offers an actionable, measurable step.

Designing the System, Not Just the Material

At Emirates Biotech, we are investing in the world’s largest PLA production facility. Not because PLA should replace all plastics, but because we know it has a critical role to play within a properly designed system.

That system requires:

• Materials that align with local recovery infrastructure
• Certification and labelling that make compostables distinguishable
• Investment in waste collection and processing facilities
• Consumer education on responsible disposal
• Regulatory frameworks that support innovation

Too often, compostable plastics are dismissed because they are deployed without this system. This isn’t a failure of the material but of integration.

We also need clearer communication. Public understanding of “compostable” remains limited, and even well-intentioned businesses can struggle with certifications. 

PLA, for example, must be certified to EN13432 or equivalent standards to ensure correct biodegradation. Without this assurance, the value of compostable plastics, and public trust, is diminished.

A Regional Path Forward

The GCC is at a pivotal moment. Governments are launching national circular economy strategies, introducing single-use plastic bans, and setting waste-reduction targets. There is momentum and a clear understanding that the current system must change.

Targeted adoption of compostable packaging can support these goals. City-wide pilots and large-scale public events present immediate opportunities to demonstrate impact and build the infrastructure needed for broader rollout.

Real progress lies in systems change; in how we collect, sort, and process waste, and how sustainable materials integrate into those flows. Compostable packaging is one tool, and when used strategically, it can make a real difference.

There are already signs of progress. The UAE aims to divert 75% of waste from landfill by 2030 and has banned single-use plastic bags nationwide. Saudi Arabia is pursuing its own circular economy roadmap. These top-down signals are vital, but they must be matched by investment and innovation on the ground.

I believe the Middle East can shape, not follow, the global trend. With smart policy, regional collaboration, and the right materials in the right places, we can build a system that not only reduces harm but creates long-term value for people and the planet.

Marc Verbruggen is the Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Biotech.