No time to ‘waste’

Technological innovation in the waste management sector, groundbreaking recycling initiatives and forward-thinking alternate energy projects have been attracting local and international exhibitors, conference delegates and visitors from across the UAE and beyond to the inaugural Green Middle East 2011 exhibition and conference, which wrapped up today (19 October) at Expo Centre Sharjah.

The three-day exhibition and conference was held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in association with integrated environmental and waste management experts Bee’ah.

Next generation heavy duty waste removal and recycling vehicles shared floor space with pioneering international SMEs and local government entities promoting a raft of active initiatives and pipeline projects.

“The diversity of exhibitors and conference speakers at Green Middle East has provided the region’s environmental and recycling industry with a 360-degree perspective on the local opportunities and latest global developments available to drive sustainable change,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director General, Sharjah Expo Centre.

US-headquartered Cherrington Enterprises, which manufactures beach-cleaning vehicles, signed up for the exhibition to present its range of one-pass cleaning models, which offer a low maintenance solution to the removal of on shore trash, tar balls and tidal detritus.

“Demand is generating increasing levels of interest in keeping the region’s beaches clean,” said Mike McPherson, President, Cherrington Enterprises.

Trailer manufacturer Beringer Middle East showcased its new two and three-axle trailer designed for use within the construction and waste management sectors, while a number of Europe’s leading equipment manufacturers used the event as an opportunity to promote the latest innovations in integrated waste management systems.

Advancements in the design of waste management collection vehicles was the focus of Italy’s OMB International, which displayed the company’s new street-friendly side-loading auto-compactor, while Terberg Matec UK presented a new low voltage electric automatic bin lift designed to offer significant savings in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

A number of smaller exhibitors took the opportunity to raise awareness of new-to-market initiatives including Dgrade Clothing, which uses a pioneering process to recycle old PET plastic bottles to produce a polyester thread.

“We are working with businesses and event companies here to provide promotional merchandise and are here to show the industry that something good can come out of something bad. We have had the opportunity to meet a number of plastics companies and biofuel producers looking to diversify, as well as a lot of interest from local universities keen to know more about the technology,” said Kris Barber, Director, Dgrde Clothing.

UAE-based LANDEX/Green Mat, which produces natural fibre matting for the greening of rooftops, reported a positive response from event visitors. “We have had a tremendous response to our product, in particular with a lot of enquiries from the Northern Emirates,” said Martin Jose, Marketing Manager, LANDEX.

Danish technology solutions provider DATS, presented a duo of energy saving technologies with its Wattsun Hybrid Solar Air Conditioner, which reduces electricity consumption by at least 40 per cent through an in-built solar water heater, and its range of induction lighting systems which have an operational lifetime of up to 100,000 hours and are suitable for street and area lighting, industrial and commercial facilities, and architectural and landscaping developments.