ABU DHABI: His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, inaugurated Agthia Group’s new Packaging Technology Center today in Al Ain. The new facility aims to develop more sustainable packaging technologies to make a positive impact on the food and beverages industry and reinforce Agthia’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. His Excellency Dr Al Zeyoudi was accompanied by His Excellency Eng Dhafer Ayed Al Ahbabi, Agthia Group Chairman, and Tareq Ahmed Al Wahedi, Agthia Group CEO.
His Excellency Dr Al Zeyoudi said: “R&D is integral to the UAE’s transition to a competitive knowledge-based economy under the guidance of its visionary leadership that aims to build a better future for current and next generations. In addition, it is key to addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges we face today, particularly climate change – the greatest threat to the world as we know it. To maximize its effectiveness in addressing climate change, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment works relentlessly to promote productive synergies between the public and private sector that drive R&D.”
Furthermore, he commended Agthia Group for going the extra mile to achieve a positive impact on the environment through the use of sustainable packaging technologies, smart production processes, and through leveraging science and innovation to meet the diverse health requirements of UAE consumers.
As part of his visit to Al Ain, His Excellency Dr Al Zeyoudi also toured Agthia’s other facilities to learn about various sustainable practices adopted by Agthia and gain first-hand insights into the various innovations and technologies utilized by the Group across new and existing products. His Excellency also visited the Al Foah Company, where he was briefed on the wide range of date products and date derivatives as well as the latest practices within the date processing industry.
His Excellency Eng Dhafer Ayed Al Ahbabi, Agthia Group Chairman, said: “Agthia Group’s commitment to the environment has long been a priority across the business, going over and above regulatory requirements to set an example for others in the F&B industry.”
For his part, Tariq Ahmed Al Wahedi, Agthia Group CEO, said: “As an organization that has extensive research and development experience and capabilities in the F&B sector, we launched the Packaging Technology Center to enable our scientists and engineers to develop groundbreaking packaging solutions and technologies that are safe for our consumers and our environment. We are confident that the center will help redefine the packaging industry and set a new level for the Group’s sustainable practices.”
Dr Rabih Kamleh, Senior Vice President, Research and Development, Quality Assurance at Agthia, explained: “Science and innovation have continued to drive Agthia Group from strength to strength and across all fronts. The new Packaging R&D Center demonstrates our dedication to utilizing innovation to embrace sustainable packaging technologies in different product lines and minimize the Group’s carbon footprint.”
At Agthia, 99% of packaging is recyclable and 100% of secondary packaging across all its categories is biodegradable. The Group aims to achieve zero landfill waste by 2020 and has made a commitment to use 10% of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from recycled sources and 5% plant-based sources by 2021.
Over the years, Agthia has successfully disrupted the F&B sector, introducing innovative products that cater to different consumer needs and requirements, including Al Ain Zero, the region’s first sodium-free water, Al Ain Vitamin D, the world’s first vitamin D-fortified plain drinking water, Al Ain Zero Bromate, the region’s first bromate-free branded water and made-for-infant-nutrition, and Al Ain Bambini baby water, among others. The company also introduced innovations in its juice production process with Al Ain Fresh, which utilizes High Pressure Processing technology to preserve the nutritional value of fresh juices and increase their shelf life. In the Dairy category, Agthia launched the region’s first lactose-free fruit yogurt under its line of Yoplait branded dairy products. The Group has also innovated in its flour and feed categories. News Desk
