Al Bayader International, Dubai-based trusted manufacturer and supplier of food packaging solutions, and TotalEnergies, a global multi-energy company, have jointly inaugurated the country’s first and largest solar rooftop within the food packaging sector at its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza).
TotalEnergies, as part of a 20-year partnership deal with Al Bayader International, has set up high-efficiency photovoltaic panels on the rooftop of the plant. The 980 kilowatts peak (kWp) solar rooftop plant spans an area of 4,000 square meters and will generate over 1.5 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually.
Al Bayader International’s solar rooftop is part of the Shams Dubai program and it will offset approximately 700 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to planting over 17 thousand trees. Every unit of electricity generated by the rooftop will be audited and accounted for by TotalEnergies, with an advanced monitoring system to measure the amount of energy generated and financial benefits.
Ms. Habiba Al Marashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) stated, “The opening of the solar rooftop by Al Bayader International sets a model for the food packaging industry as well as other sectors to tap the enormous potential of clean solar power generation. The rooftop aligns with the vision of the UAE’s leadership to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and complements the country’s energy transition strategy.”
Nidal Haddad Founder & CEO Al Bayader International
“The rooftop is part of our wider sustainability program to be a net-zero emissions company and aligns with the National Food Security Strategy 2051, which focuses on promoting food safety while conserving the environment. A sustainable food system is a core priority for the nation, and as the leader in the food packaging sector, we will continue to invest in innovative and sustainable solutions to limit our environmental footprint.”
Mr. Elias Kassis, President, TotalEnergies in the UAE and TotalEnergies Country Chair in the UAE stated, “Through our longstanding partnership with the UAE and close relationships with industrial customers in the UAE, TotalEnergies is participating in numerous renewable energies projects and initiatives, fully in line with the Company’s strategy, and contributing to the Climate Ambition of the UAE.”
The company’s manufacturing processes in Jafza are also zero waste, all industrial scrap produced during production is recycled and reused in production. The group adds recycled bottle flakes in its production from local suppliers, ensuring it contributes to recycling local waste, in addition to having an Eco-Bayader Products Programme which further encourages consumers to embrace sustainability.
