Sustaining the ecosystem has become an increasing call for most countries worldwide and UAE is no exception. This paper explores UAE and how sustainability strategies are being undertaken. More concisely, the paper will explore companies and suppliers embracing sustainability. Besides, the paper will point out government initiatives such as Demand-Side Management and shifting development to green building in aiding sustainability.
Further, the paper compares sustainable packages in UAE and Canada. Also, the paper points out why people buy sustainable products in the UAE. And lastly, the paper gives examples of design of sustainable packages.
Companies and suppliers that uses Sustainability in UAE
UAE has the highest footprint per person globally. This is because of carbon dioxide emission, water abstraction and purification. Construction companies have been instrumental in fixing the choice of sustainable materials to be used during the construction process. The choice of sustainable materials is based on; planning, design assembly, operation and disposal in the construction process (Kiernan, 2009, p.79). By embracing sustainable materials, the construction companies have contributed to the decline of harmful environmental impacts such waste disposal and pollution. Besides construction companies, energy provision companies are also recognizing sustainability materials in the UAE. UAE regional economies have started creativities to gain progress in sustainability energy resources (Gevorkian, 2007, p.78). Regional government has established Steadman and Masdar, as part of Sustainable energy sectors in the country. Esitidama is a sustainability program of Abu Dhabi while Masdar is a multilayered company progressing growth, commercialization and use of renewable energy and unpolluted technologies (Gevorkian, 2007, p.108).
LG electronics is one of the leading suppliers of sustainable products in the UAE. LG supplies HVAC products which focus on eco-friendly air-conditioners. LG products ensures that Carbon dioxide emissions are controlled at every stage of product; design, manufacturing, use and disposal. This allows LG product to be more energy efficient. Besides, LG electronics in the recent past has enjoyed enormous growth and expanded markets in the UAE because of its energy efficiency technology. By strengthening sustainable product improvement, LG electronics is a reliable supplier promoting eco-friendly awareness in UAE. The LGs products makes them appealing because of safety, eco-friendly, energy saving and operational efficiency.
Government Role in Supporting Sustainability
The UAE government has been involved in creating various strategies in fixing strong institutions to handle both short-term and long-term sustainability challenges (Yudelson, 2008, p.89). The government has established guidelines and structures which have to be followed by the public, residents and government agencies to improve sustainability and increase eco-friendly performance.
The government has adopted initiatives such as Demand-Side Management (DSM). DSM goals are to reduce waste, influence consumer performance and ensure economic use of rare electricity and water resources. DSM is valuable to UAE because it strengthens cost decrease, improve productivity and inspire sustainability. DSM tools such as tariff structure, building codes, green codes and customer pricing created by (Urban Planning Council) through Estidama program, ensures that UAE government lessens costs and ensures sustainability is diversely spread within the country (Yudelson, 2008, p.105).
Secondly, UAE is shifting development goals to green building. The UAE has embarked on setting up green building to embody sustainability ethics. The sustainability ethics include resourceful land use, suitable urban design, and superior building with exposed spaces. An example of a green building undertaken by the government of UAE is the Enpark. Enpark will be the first building in UAE encompassing master planned building to epitomize sustainability (Yudelson, 2008, p.110).
People and Sustainable Products in UAE
Sustainable products have been widely recognized in the UAE as it has been the case in other parts of the world (Yudelson, 2008, p.123). People who embraces a genuine concern about the; planet, society, human race and the future generations in UAE are the highest buyers of sustainable products and supports businesses whose commercial determination is sustainable. The demand is because the sustainable materials do not cause harm to the environment in the long run. People in the UAE feel encouraged in choosing sustainable products because of various reasons. These reasons include; environmentally friendly, reusability, lighter in packaging and rather cost-effective among other reasons (Yudelson, 2008, p.126).
Examples of Sustainable packaging designs
Eco Tray for CD and DVD
Eco tray comes in various colors and design. It offers a new impression and appearance in packaging whereas encouraging eco-friendly sustainability. They use tapioca thickener and potato thickener which is 100% eco-friendly and recyclable. Eco Tray decreases carbon footprints of a completed product by 90% with other conventional packaging (Sustainable Packaging Coalition, 2010).
Kraft Salad Dressings
Kraft Salad Dressing comes in various colors. It is designed in a way that reduces weight, increases transport effectiveness, and saves energy while keeping product demand with no change in its resources unlike conventional packaging (Sustainable Packaging Coalition, 2010).
Lock ‘n Pop Palletizing Adhesive
Lock ‘n Pop is a water based spray paste which omits or cuts extra resources that would normally be inclined such as pliability shawl and corner boards among others. Its goals are to ease extra packaging, surge output and competence at manufacturing location and surge unit firmness (Sustainable Packaging Coalition, 2010).
Comparison of Sustainability packages in UAE and Canada
Sustainable products are based on product organization with effectiveness, Eco-innovation and efficiency. Therefore, sustainability packages in the two countries differ. The geographical location and availability of sustainable products in UAE for instance influences the prices for sustainable products. In UAE sustainable materials are higher than in Canada because logistical costs associated in shipping (Dwivedi, 2001, p.102). Besides, in both countries, the sustainable materials price varies because of costs of raw material used to plan, manufacture and design.
Moreover, sustainability encourages lighter packaging which is cheaper and efficient in transport and needs less energy to manufacture than other conventional methods of packaging therefore this lowers down the costs of materials in both countries (Dwivedi, 2001, p.112).
Comparison of Sustainability packages in US and Japan
The cost of sustainability material in US and Japan is influenced by some reasons. For instance, material for building and design work is influenced by homeland characteristics. Japan has less space and natural resources therefore; they import most of its sustainable materials from oversee. Therefore, the cost of packaging and shipping increases the price (Dwivedi, 2001, p.119). The demand for sustainable material and especially in strengthening sustainable buildings and energy saving is high in Japan.
The price of sustainable materials in the US is fairly lower than in Japan. Besides, the demand for sustainable materials is high because of the need of eco-friendly environment, a passionate population in matters of environment, availability of raw materials and government legislation (Dwivedi, 2001, p.123).
References
Dwivedi, O. P. (2001). Sustainable Development and Canada: National & International Perspectives.Ontario: University of Toronto Press
Gevorkian, P. (2007). Sustainable Energy Systems Engineering: The Complete Green Building Design Resource. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional
Kiernan, M. J. (2009). Investing In A Sustainable World: Why GREEN Is The New Color Of Money On Wall Street. New York: AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn
Sustainable Packaging Coalition. (2010). Design Library. Web.
Yudelson, J. (2008). Marketing Green Building Services: Strategies for Success. Amsterdam: Architectural Press