Dubai, UAE, June XX 2012: The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemical Association (GPCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) to launch an industry and community education campaign to improve understanding of the plastics sector.

The MoU was signed in Dubai by Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General of the GPCA, and SPE President Jim Griffing.

The cooperation is aimed at highlighting the socio-economic benefits of the plastics industry and achieving a wider understanding of the plastics industry more generally.

“The GPCAand SPE believe in the importance of plastics and their positive contribution to society, which includes job creation and skills development across the Arabian Gulf Region,” said Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun. “The region’s most important export is oil and gas, and by bolstering the plastics industry through training and knowledge transfer, we will maximize the value of this crucial export.”

Various initiatives will see the two organizations reach out to local communities to highlight the opportunities the plastics industry offers, as well as the Gulf’s emergence as a global hub for the plastics sector. With the Middle East industry seeing 8.5 per cent annual growth, conditions are right for the local plastics industry to experience further rapid development, Dr. Al-Sadoun said.

The educational campaign will also challenge common misperceptions of plastics, in particular those relating to its environmental impact.

“Many plastics are completely recyclable with a much lower carbon footprint than other products widely considered more sustainable. Yet low awareness of the environmental performance of plastics is proving a barrier to acceptance,” said Dr. Al-Sadoun.

Utilizing the GPCA’s extensive Middle Eastern network, the two organizations will share information and best practices with plastics companies to help develop the region as a knowledge centre. SPE will also work with the GPCA to stage technical conferences and workshops in support of local plastics convertors and processors.

“The Gulf region has a strong and growing plastics industry. As the largest network in the Plastics world, SPE is excited to be working with GPCA to provide world class plastics awareness, education and conferencing support. We are convinced that the broadening of SPE's network with and for GPCA's plastics companies, will not only enhance further growth in the GULF region, but will be to the benefit of our complete industry. For this important milestone, our President Mr Jim Griffing came over to Dubai to sign and ratify this co-operation.” said Wim De Vos, Chief Executive Officer of the SPE.

Secretary General GPCA Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun and Mr Jim Griffing President of SPE 2012-2013, were the signatories to this document.

About the Society of Plastics Engineers

THE SOCIETY OF PLASTICS ENGINEERS (SPE) is the premier source of peer-reviewed technical information for plastics professionals. Founded in 1942, SPE takes action every day to help companies in the plastics industry succeed by spreading knowledge, strengthening skills, and promoting plastics. Employing these vital strategies, SPE has helped the plastics industries thrive for 70 years. SPE has become the recognized medium of communication among scientists, engineers, and technical personnel engaged in the development, conversion, and application of plastics. For more information, please visit www.4spe.org

SPE contact: Dr. Raed AlZubi at: 4speme@gmail.com

About the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association

The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) is the voice of the industry in the region. Established as a non-profit organization in March 2006, it is the first trade association in the Gulf and the largest and most respected industry body representing the downstream sector in the Middle East.

Today, the association has over 180 members from 28 countries, including the largest Arab world and multinational companies.

Committed to providing a regional forum where stakeholders from across the industry share insights, solutions and new ideas, the GPCA has six working committees – Plastics, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Fertilizers, Advocacy, and Responsible Care – and organizes five world-class events each year. The association also publishes an annual report and a regular industry newsletter, Insight.

Since its inception, the GPCA has raised the standard for industry-wide cooperation and continues to promote the region and its interests in the international policymaking sphere.

Additional information is available at www.gpca.org.aeand the GPCA can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

GPCA contacts:Dima Al-Horani E: dima@gpca.org.ae