Emirates Biotech Selects Samsung E&A for Sustainable PLA Plant in Abu Dhabi
Deal News | Apr 14, 2025 | Zawya
Emirates Biotech, a Dubai-based company, has announced its decision to appoint Samsung E&A as the contractor for its new Polylactic Acid (PLA) production facility in the KEZAD free zone, Abu Dhabi. This environmentally-focused project aims to produce biodegradable plastic alternatives with Samsung E&A handling all engineering, procurement, and construction responsibilities under an EPC framework. The pre-EPC contract was signed on April 14, 2025, with operations slated to begin in early 2028. Sulzer technology will be utilized in the two-phase plant, which is expected to have a total production capacity of 160,000 tonnes annually, supported by an $800 million investment. The plant’s output will be marketed in several regions including the UAE, other GCC countries, and parts of Europe and Asia. Emirates Biotech is a joint venture between SS Royal Kit Emirates Investment of the UAE and Global Biopolymers Industries of Hong Kong.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Engineering and Construction
- Sustainable Manufacturing
Geography
- United Arab Emirates – The project is based in the KEZAD free zone, Abu Dhabi, making the UAE a primary geography.
- South Korea – Samsung E&A, the contractor, is a South Korean company, linking the project to this geography.
- Hong Kong – Part of the joint venture, Global Biopolymers Industries, is based in Hong Kong.
Industry
- Biotechnology – The development of a biopolymer plant positions the project within the biotechnology industry.
- Engineering and Construction – Samsung E&A's involvement highlights the engineering, procurement, and construction aspects of the project.
- Sustainable Manufacturing – The focus on biodegradable materials aligns the project with sustainable manufacturing industries.
Financials
- $800 million – Total investment in the PLA plant being developed in two phases.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates Biotech | Target Company | Company | A Dubai-based company involved in developing a PLA production plant. |
| Samsung E&A | Contractor | Company | A South Korean company appointed as the contractor for the PLA plant. |
| SS Royal Kit Emirates Investment | JV Partner | Company | A UAE-based investment company, part of the joint venture. |
| Global Biopolymers Industries | JV Partner | Company | A Hong Kong-based company, part of the joint venture. |
| Zawya Projects | News Source | Company | A news aggregator that reported on the PLA plant development in December 2024. |
| Sulzer | Technology Provider | Company | The company providing technology for the PLA plant. |
| Anoop Menon | Writer | Person | The writer of the news article. |
| SA Kader | Editor | Person | The editor of the news article. |