GCC Has Taken Positive Steps Towards Achieving Environmental Sustainability

The petrochemical industry of the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has taken positive steps towards achieving environmental sustainability over the last two years, said Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, secretary general, of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) at the recently held GPCA Sustainability Conference in Dubai.

Mr. Sadoun said the GCC petrochemical industry between 2011and 2012 not only added capacity to the manufacturing facilities, but also reduced the emissions per ton of capacity in their manufacturing units, reports Saudi Gazette.

This is a positive development as it demonstrates the sector is growing in a way that is environmentally sustainable, he added.

The GPCA official urged petrochemical companies in the region to continue monitoring greenhouse gases and also track carbon dioxide emissions, as monitoring greenhouse gases is an important factor in developing a sustainable petrochemical facility, making it easier for chemical producers to identify specific areas in which emissions can be reduced.

The three-day GPCA conference saw participation from key industrialists operating in the petrochemical sector, including representatives from Borouge, Dow Chemical and Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), who spoke on different ways in which petrochemical companies can operate profitably in a way that is socially and environmentally responsible.