Emirates Biotech and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in Al Ain have teamed up to carry out collaborative research on novel Polylactic Acid (PLA) applications and end-of-life solutions.
By leveraging the university’s cutting-edge facilities, the collaborative research projects will involve UAEU’s students and faculty and explore ways to enhance the sustainability profile and functional performance of PLA, a bio-based and biodegradable polymer used in a diverse array of applications such as packaging, food service wares, 3D printing and more.
With the projects’ outcomes, they seek to support the commercialization of bioplastics tailored to the evolving needs of the UAE and the wider Middle East region.
Dr. Aman Kulshrestha, Chief Technology Officer of Emirates Biotech, commented that, “This collaboration will be instrumental in positioning PLA as a credible and sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics. We are proud to work alongside UAEU in advancing research that supports our vision for a circular economy.”
Professor Mohamed H. Al-Marzouqi, Dean of the College of Engineering at UAEU, stated that, “Our partnership with Emirates Biotech aligns with our mission to advance engineering solutions that address sustainability challenges and foster innovation in materials science for long-term regional impact.”
”We are excited to collaborate with Emirates Biotech. This partnership reflects our commitment to innovation and our ambition to achieve international excellence in research,” added Professor Sulaiman Al Zuhair, Assistant Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at UAEU.
Emirates Biotech plans to market and manufacture PLA. PLA delivers additional end-of-life options including composting and anaerobic digestion, helping divert valuable organic waste from landfills and driving circular economy.
UAEU, established in 1976, is a comprehensive, research intensive university that focuses on developing fruitful industry partnership to offer cutting-edge solutions to national and global challenges.
Through this strategic partnership with Emirates Biotech, UAEU strengthens its applied research capabilities while providing students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge sustainability science.
Furthermore, this move also marks a key step forward in aligning academic research with industrial innovation to advance the biopolymers sector in the region.
