A new business group dedicated to the paper and tissue industry in the UAE, known as DuPAT, has been officially established under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). This initiative aims to bolster the visibility and acceptance of ‘Made in UAE’ products both locally and internationally.
Focus on Growth and Sustainability
Inaugurated during the ProPaper exhibition, DuPAT is set to champion the UAE’s burgeoning billion corrugated board packaging sector, which includes a significant focus on the tissue paper industry. Industry analysts estimate that the tissue and hygiene paper market in the UAE alone is valued at approximately 5 million, while the kraft paper segment stands at around 0 million.
DuPAT’s mission encompasses enhancing the global footprint of UAE products, exploring export opportunities, and contributing to the nation’s efforts in diversifying its economy beyond oil. “The group’s mandate is to enhance the acceptance and visibility of ‘Made in UAE’ products across markets,” stated Salahuddin Sharafi, chairman of DuPAT and Union Paper Mills of MAHY Khoory.
Moreover, DuPAT is committed to promoting sustainable business practices in alignment with the UAE’s ambitious Net Zero by 2050 goal. “DuPAT 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,” remarked Aejaz Ahmed Munshi, director of DuPAT and general manager of Star Paper Mills.
Ensuring Standards and Fair Competition
Abdul Jebbar, vice chairman of DuPAT and founding chairman of Hotpack Industries, emphasized that the new organization will ensure compliance with the standards set by the GCC Standardisation Organisation (GSO) for tissue and paper products. This initiative, under the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA), aims to protect consumer rights and foster fair competition among industry stakeholders.
The paper and pulp industry in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is experiencing a significant growth trajectory, with projections indicating it could surpass billion within the next six to seven years. The GCC region, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is leading this demand surge for paper packaging products, as highlighted by independent market reports.
Furthermore, increasing consumer awareness regarding hygiene is propelling growth in the tissue sector across the MEA region. In the UAE, the market for tissue and hygiene paper is anticipated to grow by 1.94% from 2024 to 2029, building on its current valuation of 5 million, according to Statista.
