By Rafiq Vayani
In Dubai, the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) held its second panel discussion of 2026, titled “Decarbonising Packaging.” This event gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability experts to discuss ways to cut emissions from packaging and promote sustainable systems.
As the world focuses more on climate change, it’s clear that packaging plays a big role in greenhouse gas emissions, especially in manufacturing and retail. The panel discussed how thinking about a product’s entire life cycle can help reduce these emissions. They looked closely at everything from material extraction to waste management.
Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, EEG’s Co-Founder and Chairperson, kicked off the discussion. She pointed out that packaging is not just about holding products; it’s a vital part of our supply chains and environmental health. Tools like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and carbon foot-printing are crucial for spotting emission hotspots and improving resource use. Innovation and cross-sector teamwork are also key for creating sustainable models.
An expert panel included Ms. Jamila El Mir from Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, Dr. Nika Salvetti from Heriot-Watt University, and other industry leaders. They dove into the technical aspects of decarbonizing packaging, discussing how LCA can lead to better decisions and transparency in sustainability efforts.
The panel also highlighted recent advancements in materials, recycling methods, and technologies like digital carbon accounting. Experts stressed that while innovation is important, effective waste management and supportive policies, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), are vital for real change. They called for careful measurement and alignment with international best practices to maintain the credibility of climate claims.
The session wasn’t just lectures; it also featured a lively Q&A, allowing participants to discuss challenges and strategies for creating climate-friendly packaging solutions.
Dr. Al Mar’ashi emphasized the need for a team effort: “Decarbonizing packaging is key to climate action and sustainable production. By using tools like LCA and fostering collaboration, we can create packaging that genuinely helps reduce emissions.”
A recent study by the World Wildlife Fund found that plastic packaging contributes to nearly 20% of global carbon emissions. According to experts, improving packaging systems not only benefits the environment but can also lead to economic growth and improved material efficiency.
This successful discussion benefited from the support of McDonald’s UAE, which actively backs EEG’s initiatives. The Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park provided a welcoming venue, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
This event was more than just a conversation; it marked another step forward in EEG’s mission to lead the charge for sustainability and climate dialogue. The collaborative spirit among various sectors demonstrated commitment to creating lasting change for our planet.
For more insights on sustainability and climate strategies, you can refer to the [World Wildlife Fund](https://www.worldwildlife.org) for updated statistics and reports.
