Abu dhabi: The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), in collaboration with Polygreen's Again, Please initiative, has launched a framework to establish a reusable foodware ecosystem on Yas Island, marking a significant step in advancing environmental circularity solutions and sustainable waste management in Abu Dhabi. Unveiled during the World Future Energy Summit, the initiative is designed to address the regulatory, operational and market foundations for an integrated reusable and hygienic foodware model serving the retail and food and beverage sectors within the emirate.
According to Emirates News Agency, the framework reflects EAD's commitment to enabling government-led, market-driven solutions that reduce reliance on single-use products and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy. It aligns with Abu Dhabi's Single-Use Plastic Policy and the executive regulations banning specific single-use plastic products, effective from 1st June 2022, as well as the federal regulations introducing additional bans starting 1st January 2026.
As part of the initiative, EAD and its private-sector partners worked together to establish the core infrastructure required for reusable and hygienic foodware systems, including asset management, return and collection points, logistics and washing services. The programme is assessed against environmental performance, financial feasibility and consumer experience.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, stated that the framework lays the foundation for a practical and scalable reuse system supporting Abu Dhabi's transition away from single-use products. By collaborating with private-sector partners, innovation is enabled that reduces waste, strengthens resource efficiency, and supports the emirate's long-term environmental circularity ambitions and UAE Net Zero objectives.
Athanasios Polychronopoulos, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Polygreen, emphasized the importance of clear policy direction in unlocking scalable circular solutions. The framework introduced by EAD creates conditions for reuse systems to be designed and tested, facilitating market adoption. The initiative is supported by practical experience contributed by Polygreen to bridge policy ambition with real-world implementation.
The framework builds on early adoption by key venues and event organisers in Abu Dhabi, where reusable cups have already been introduced at major events and facilities, demonstrating the viability of reuse systems at scale. First movers, such as Ethara, have adopted reusable cups at major events like Formula 1. EAD aims to expand the model across additional sectors and locations in the future.
The initiative is supported by ongoing engagement with various retail and food and beverage operators, who are participating in activities related to the future operating model aimed at defining a scalable reverse-logistics approach, aligning regulatory and operational requirements, co-developing an operating model with participating stakeholders and preparing the groundwork for further implementation.