Reusable Foodware Initiatives rolled out in Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi : UAE companies and government bodies are taking concrete steps to curb single-use plastic waste at large events and venues, introducing scalable reusable foodware systems that support national sustainability goals.

 At the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) held in Abu Dhabi this week, circular economy firm Polygreen showcased its “Again, Please” reusable foodware platform, designed to replace disposable cups and other serviceware at high-footfall gatherings. The system uses durable, food-grade reusable cups that are collected after use and returned to an industrial wash hub in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) for sanitisation and redeployment keeping materials in reuse and out of landfills.

 The initiative demonstrates how reusable solutions can function smoothly even in fast-paced event environments, with organisers and attendees reporting positive feedback on convenience and sustainability. Polygreen says the model can be adapted to cinemas, restaurants, exhibitions and more, reducing overall plastic waste and cutting the carbon footprint of disposable alternatives.

 Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) has also partnered with again, Please to launch a framework for a reusable foodware ecosystem on Yas Island. Unveiled during the summit, this framework lays out the regulatory, operational and market foundations needed to build an integrated system involving collection points, logistics and professional washing services accelerating the shift from single-use products to circular alternatives.

 These efforts align with the UAE’s broader policy direction on single-use plastics. Federal regulations banning a wider range of such products came into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, following earlier emirate-level measures such as the Dubai ban on bags and plates and Abu Dhabi’s 2022 executive regulations.

 Officials say that combining public-sector policy with private-sector innovation will help normalise reuse, reduce waste at scale, and support the UAE’s circular economy and Net Zero ambitions.