April 14, Abu Dhabi — Samsung E&A has signed a historic contract with Emirates Biotech for the pre-EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) stage of the Falcon Biodegradable Plastic Project, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable innovation. With the transaction, Samsung E&A formally enters the eco-friendly plastics market, bolstering its larger energy transition and sustainable growth plan.
The signing ceremony took place at Emirates Biotech’s headquarters in the UAE, attended by key executives from both companies, including Samsung E&A President Namkoong Hong and Emirates Biotech President Marc Verbruggen.
The collaboration will open the door for the construction of the first biodegradable plastic production facility in the Middle East, which will be located in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD). 80,000 tons of Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), a biodegradable material made from renewable resources like corn and sugarcane, will be produced annually once the facility is up and running.
As global demand for sustainable materials rises, PLA is gaining traction for its ability to decompose more readily in natural environments compared to traditional plastics. This aligns with tightening international regulations targeting plastic pollution and a growing global shift toward greener alternatives.
Through its “E&Able” strategy, which is focused on low-carbon (E&Able Low), carbon-free (E&Able Zero), and circular economy (E&Able Circle) activities, Samsung E&A is coordinating its business plan with environmental responsibility. This initiative, which leverages Samsung E&A’s vast technical experience and technological prowess, is seen as a crucial step in realizing that ambition.
“We are confident in the successful execution of this project,” said a company spokesperson. “Our track record in plant development and our differentiated technology will help us earn our client’s trust and further establish our leadership in the eco-friendly plant sector.”
KEZAD’s selection as the project site highlights the UAE’s growing reputation as a regional industrial powerhouse. Offering robust infrastructure, tax incentives, and access to international markets, KEZAD is a strategic choice for companies pursuing sustainable industrial growth. The UAE government’s push to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons also reinforces the nation’s attractiveness for green technology investments.