US$2 bn estimated market size of UAE corrugated board packaging and tissue
The first ever new business group for paper and tissue industry in the UAE, DuPAT, under the umbrella of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) was officially launched to promote `Made in UAE’ products locally and globally.
The new exclusive group will seek to promote the UAE’s US$ 2bn corrugated board packaging, including tissue paper industry, to notch up new growth milestones while enhancing the `Made in UAE’ brand equity across markets.
At the official unveiling of the Dubai Business Group for Paper and Tissue (DuPAT) at the ongoing paper industry expo, Propaper Dubai 2024, spokespersons said the mandate is to support the UAE based companies enhance their market share and expand into new export markets, leveraging the demand upswing in the tissue and hygiene sector as well as paper packaging, driven by higher awareness of health, environment and sustainability.
“DuPAT will support the industry actively adopt across-the-spectrum sustainable business practices in line with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 goal,” said Salahuddin Sharafi, Chairman of DuPAT and Union Paper Mills of MAHY Khoory & Co.
Founding members
The industry grouping currently has close to 30 founding members, and the endeavour is to enrol over 300 members. Apart from Salahuddin Sharafi, the founding Directors of the Board of DuPAT include Abdul Jebbar P B, Vice Chairman of DuPAT & and Founder & Chairman of Hotpack Industries; Rajamahendiran, Director of DuPAT & CEO of Emirates Industrial Converting Factory; Aejaz Ahmed Munshi, Director, DuPAT & General Manager, Star Paper Mills and Mahmoud Al Kurd, Secretary General, DUPAT & General Manager. Gulf Manufacturing.
Industry experts estimate that the tissue and hygiene paper market alone in the UAE is worth US$ 525mn, while kraft paper size is to the tune of US$ 450mn.
“DuPAT also has a clear vision on sustainability, and it will be our responsibility to help the UAE paper industry align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by embracing circular economy initiatives to reduce carbon footprint,” stated Munshi.
“DuPAT will also ensure the implementation of GSO standards for tissue and paper products under ESMA to safeguard consumer rights and to foster fair competition among stakeholders,” said Abdul Jebbar.
