Emirates Biotech, the new venture aiming to kindle the PLA industry in the MENA region, has revealed an executive team filled with industry heavyweights
Marc Verbruggen, a former CEO of NatureWorks with over 10 years’ experience in the PLA bioplastics industry, has been appointed as CEO. He is joined by François de Bie as Chief Commercial Officer, Aman Kulshrestha as Chief Technology Officer, and Margrete L. Wie as Head of Finance.
François de Bie is a former senior marketing director of TotalEnergies Corbion and former president of European Bioplastics. He has played an important role in advancing the acceptance of biopolymers globally and his commercial expertise will be instrumental in driving Emirates Biotech’s regional sales and marketing strategy, the Dubai-based company said in a statement.
Aman Kulshrestha is a former principal scientist at Natureworks and global head of polymer applications, recycling, technology and innovation at Sulzer. With over 12 years of experience in biopolymers, she will oversee Emirates Biotech’s technological advancements, ensuring the production of high-quality PLA biopolymers that meet the demands of various industries.
Margrete L. Wie will oversee Emirates Biotech financial operations. She has a proven track record in financial and strategic management of complex technology industries in both start-up and mature business environments.
Emirates Biotech plans to build a PLA production facility in the United Arab Emirates. The facility will be located in Abu Dhabi’s KEZAD Free Zone. Commercial operations are due to start in early 2025; construction of the company’s first PLA production plant will commence before 2026.
SS Royal Kit Emirates Investment, founded by Sheikh Butti Bin Suhail Al Maktoum, a member of the Dubai Royal Family, is a shareholder of Emirates Biotech alongside Global Biopolymers Industries.
The investment by a member of the Dubai Royal Family was key in deciding to build the PLA plant in the UAE, Verbruggen told Sustainable Plastics in a recent interview.
“It was a difficult and interesting internal discussion as where we build the PLA plant. Do we want to build it in Thailand or the US, like everyone else is doing, or do we want to go where our customer are? For us that decision became a little bit easier when it became clear that somebody from the Royal Family of the Emirates wanted to become shareholder,” Verbruggen said.
Emirates Biotech is yet to decide where the plant biomass will be imported from, he added.
PLA is a sustainable biopolymer that is 100% renewable, 100% biodegradable, and 100% recyclable. It is manufactured from lactic acid, which is produced through the fermentation of plant biomass with a high starch content. The material is suitable for conventional plastic processing technologies, including injection moulding. It can be used across multiple sectors and industries, offering a sustainable and circular solution to replace traditional fossil fuel-based plastics and helping to accelerate the transition to a circular, biobased society.
“Our new leadership team reflects the strength and innovation that Emirates Biotech is committed to bringing to the PLA industry,” Verbruggen said in a statement. “We are dedicated to developing sustainable solutions that address the global demand for environmentally friendly plastics. Together, we will harness our collective expertise to drive Emirates Biotech to new heights and contribute significantly to the bioplastics sector.”