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The Solid Waste Recycling Centre in Mesaieed recovered more than 37,000 tonnes of plastic and metal in 2025, indicating the growing the role of the country's waste-treatment infrastructure in reducing landfill disposal and increasing the recovery of reusable materials.According to figures reported by the Ministry of Municipality, the centre sorted and recovered around 25,000 tonnes of plastic and 12,000 tonnes of metal during last year, bringing the combined volume to around 37,000 tonnes. Plastic represented around 67% of the recovered materials, while metals accounted for the remaining 33%. The otherwise landfill waste materials that used to be unnecessary burden on the local environment was accordingly converted in reusable materials of good economic value that could considerably benefit various related industry with good and sustainable sources of raw material, enhancing the local efforts of encouraging circular business practices. Meanwhile, recycled plastics can be processed into new products and packaging, while recovered metals can be reintroduced into manufacturing and construction supply chains. Further, using recycled materials would reduce demand for virgin resources and the environmental impacts associated with their extraction and processing.The Mesaieed facility is part of Qatar's broader waste-management infrastructure, which handles municipal solid waste through a combination of sorting, recycling, organic waste treatment and energy recovery. Its operations contribute to reducing the volume of waste requiring landfill disposal while recovering materials with potential economic value.In the meantime, official figures presented by the Minister of Municipality at the Sixth Recycling Towards Sustainability Conference and Exhibition in October 2026 show that 45% of municipal solid waste was diverted from landfills in 2025. During the same year, the national Waste Treatment Centre generated more than 276,000 megawatt-hours of electricity, processed over 10,000 tonnes of used tyres and produced more than 34,000 tonnes of compost. Qatar also produced approximately 3.9mn tonnes of recycled construction materials at Rawdat Rashid.In addition, private-sector investment in this sector has been considerably and rapidly expanding, with Al Afja recycling industrial area accommodating 61 designated facilities, comprising 29 operational factories, 19 under construction and 13 in development. The Ministry selected nine investors in 2025 to establish new recycling projects, with lease agreements signed with four investors in October 2026.Related official efforts include the Zero Waste initiative, development of a national digital waste-management system and investment in sorting, recovery and landfill infrastructure, in addition to the ongoing intensive awareness efforts to promote separation at the source of household and public waste through the distribution of designated recycling bins across various areas and key facilities all over the country. 

Qatar’s diverse consumer base is shaping a retail approach centred on affordability, direct sourcing and reduced plastic use, according to Mark & Save GCC Operation manager Mohammed Fasil in Doha. Speaking to Gulf Times, Fasil said retailers operating in Qatar must respond to customers from a wide range of backgrounds, each bringing different household needs, product preferences and expectations of value. Mark & Save recorded more than 2mn customer visits during its first 500 days in the country, with shoppers representing over 110 nationalities, according to figures provided by the company. Fasil described it as an indication of the breadth of Qatar’s consumer market. Serving such a varied population requires access to products from multiple regions rather than relying on a limited sourcing base. Fasil said the company imports merchandise from countries including India, China, Bangladesh, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and Poland. “We are directly importing from the manufacturing unit to the customer,” he said. “The intermediary cost is removed, and that is the benefit customers receive.” He added that the sourcing model is intended to manage prices while providing a range suited to different communities. Affordability, Fasil said, remains an important consideration for households, particularly when purchasing everyday products. He linked the company’s customer-focused approach not only to price but also to understanding how shopping practices are changing, including growing awareness of the environmental effects of single-use plastic. The retailer is preparing to encourage greater use of reusable jute bags in Qatar and reduce its reliance on plastic shopping bags, following similar measures introduced in some of its other markets. “We want customers to use more jute bags instead of plastic shopping bags,” Fasil said. “Plastics create environmental issues, so we will move towards jute bags as soon as possible.” He said no date was provided for the full introduction of the measure in Qatar. However, the planned shift reflects how environmental considerations are becoming part of everyday retail decisions, from packaging and checkout practices to the choices offered to customers. Moving consumers away from disposable bags will also require awareness and participation instead of a change imposed only at store level, Fasil added. Reusable alternatives must be convenient enough to become part of regular shopping habits. 

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) marked International Plastic Bag Free Day, observed annually on July 3, by urging the public, particularly visitors to beaches, Rawdat (natural meadows), and other land and marine areas, to reduce their use of plastic bags and dispose of them responsibly.  The ministry called on visitors to place plastic bags in designated waste bins rather than leaving them behind or discarding them indiscriminately, warning that such waste poses a serious threat to wildlife and fragile ecosystems. It stressed that individuals’ daily behaviour directly protects Qatar’s natural environment.  Plastic bags left on beaches or in Rawdat often do not remain where they are discarded. Carried by wind or tidal currents, they can travel long distances and threaten land and marine ecosystems, including important nesting sites for birds and sea turtles. Plastic waste can suffocate wildlife, entangle animals or be mistaken for food. It also degrades natural landscapes, damages native vegetation and persists in the environment for years, making prevention far more effective than cleanup.  The ministry emphasised that maintaining clean terrestrial and marine environments is essential to conserving biodiversity. Through its Departments of Land Protection, Marine Protection, Nature Reserves and Wildlife Development, it continues to conduct field campaigns to clean natural meadows, beaches, islands and other marine and land areas, particularly during peak visitor seasons and public holidays.  The Land Protection Department regularly removes plastic bags, bottles and other litter from Rawdat, wilderness areas and camping sites to safeguard native plants, animals and birds. Inspection campaigns are intensified during holidays and special occasions when visitor numbers increase. Field teams also educate visitors on the importance of disposing of waste properly before leaving natural areas.  Meanwhile, the Marine Protection Department continues its monitoring, inspection, and beach-cleaning operations along coastlines, islands, and marine areas. Its teams also participate in initiatives to remove marine debris from coastal waters and the seabed, in collaboration with government agencies and environmental organisations.  Special attention is given to beaches that serve as critical habitats for marine species, particularly during the sea turtle nesting season. Beach-cleaning and rehabilitation efforts help reduce risks around nesting sites and create safer pathways for hatchlings as they make their way to the sea.  The ministry also supports these efforts through public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives involving schools, universities, government and private institutions, and volunteers. It stressed that protecting the environment cannot rely solely on cleanup operations but also requires responsible public behaviour to prevent pollution from recurring.  Dr Farhoud Hadi al-Hajri, director of the Public Relations and Communication Department at MoECC, said International Plastic Bag Free Day offers an opportunity to renew calls for the responsible use of single-use products and encourage greater adoption of reusable alternatives.  He noted that the environmental challenge extends far beyond the brief period during which a plastic bag is used. Improperly discarded bags can be carried by wind and currents from populated areas to meadows, beaches, islands and the sea, turning an item used for only a few minutes into a long-term environmental hazard.  Dr al-Hajri said the ministry’s cleaning campaigns play a vital role in protecting natural areas and removing waste, but prevention remains the most effective solution through environmentally friendly alternatives and responsible consumption that reduce waste and conserve resources.He stressed that every plastic bag prevented from reaching the natural environment represents an environmental risk avoided, adding that the success of national environmental efforts depends on the cooperation of individuals, retailers, institutions, tour operators and organisers of land- and sea-based recreational activities.  Dr al-Hajri lauded volunteer initiatives that support beach and environmental cleanups, as well as organisations that are reducing their reliance on single-use products in their daily operations.  He urged visitors to natural areas and beaches to plan ahead by carrying reusable shopping bags, minimising their use of plastic bags, placing waste in secure bins and ensuring all belongings and rubbish are collected before leaving. He also called on boat owners and marine recreation enthusiasts to secure waste on board and refrain from disposing of any materials into the sea, noting that marine debris can easily travel far from where it is discarded.

Qatar has launched an aggressive campaign to save its rawdas — fragile natural depressions that serve as lifelines for desert wildlife — fencing off more than 70 sites and planting thousands of native trees as human encroachment threatens to destroy one of the country's most vital ecosystems.  The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change warns the rawdas face mounting pressure from off-road vehicles, illegal camping, overgrazing and urban sprawl, particularly during the popular camping season when violators crush vegetation, dump plastic waste and light fires directly on desert soil. "These are among the most sensitive ecosystems in the country," said Khalid Juma al-Muhannadi, Director of Wildlife Development at the ministry.  He described the rawdas as strategic environmental assets that act as natural water reservoirs, wildlife habitats and seasonal vegetation centers essential to maintaining ecological balance. The ministry has adopted an integrated approach combining regulation, monitoring, rehabilitation and public awareness to protect these critical sites.  Authorities have identified approximately 1,500 rawdas nationwide and created a comprehensive geographic database containing detailed environmental information on each site to support planning and decision-making. Advanced monitoring technology including geographic information systems, aerial imagery and drones enables officials to track environmental changes and detect violations in real time across the vast desert landscape.  Rehabilitation teams planted more than 14,600 native seedlings during 2025, including sidr, samar, ghaf and acacia species. Seeds are collected from their original habitats and preserved in the national gene bank to protect genetic diversity and ensure the survival of indigenous plant species adapted to Qatar's harsh desert conditions.  The government extended restrictions on camel grazing and regulated sheep and goat grazing for an additional two years to allow vegetation to recover. Inspection campaigns intensified across desert areas, with environmental officers working alongside the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) to document violations and refer offenders for prosecution.  Salim Qadri al-Yami, Assistant Director of the Terrestrial Protection Department, said his team deploys environmental inspectors year-round across rawdas and desert areas to monitor harmful practices.  The most common offenses include overgrazing that degrades vegetation and accelerates soil erosion, lighting fires directly on the ground, off-road driving that crushes plants and scars the landscape, littering especially plastic waste, setting up camps in unauthorised locations and cutting plants for firewood. "During peak seasons, environmental violations are formally recorded and offenders are referred for legal action," al-Yami said, warning that plastic pollution poses serious risks to both environment and human health.  Nawaf Jabr al-Nuaimi, Assistant Director of the Natural Reserves Department, emphasised that protected areas play a vital role in conserving Qatar's plant and animal biodiversity. He said natural reserves serve as an effective tool for environmental protection, supported by regulatory legislation, restrictions on harmful human activities and afforestation initiatives alongside continuous monitoring and community participation through conservation projects. Al-Muhannadi stressed the importance of community involvement, urging residents to follow environmental guidelines, report violations and participate in volunteer programs.  Future plans include expanding fencing and rehabilitation projects, launching national initiatives to plant native vegetation and increasing public awareness through digital platforms. "These efforts reflect Qatar's commitment to protecting its natural heritage and conserving biodiversity in line with national and international environmental obligations," he said. The conservation push aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 goals to safeguard biodiversity and ensure environmental sustainability for future generations.

Papercut, Qatar’s leading sustainable packaging manufacturer and a long-standing partner of Qatar Development Bank (QDB), has announced the acquisition of a 60% stake in Enavra, a pioneering local company specialising in advanced bio-plastic materials.The strategic acquisition represents a major step forward in Papercut’s mission to accelerate sustainable packaging solutions in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly its pillars of environmental development, resource efficiency, and building a circular, knowledge-driven economy.Qatar faces an increasing national challenge around waste and plastic pollution. As businesses and communities demand more responsible materials, bio-plastics will play a critical role in reducing environmental impact and supporting a more sustainable future.Through the acquisition, Papercut is positioning itself and Qatar at the forefront of innovation by investing in locally manufactured biodegradable and compostable materials that address real environmental needs.Under Enbat Group’s leadership, Papercut has grown into a key driver of sustainable manufacturing. Bringing Enavra under the Papercut umbrella will fast-track the development of bio-plastic alternatives that reduce national waste; strengthen Qatar’s local manufacturing capabilities; expand R&D collaborations with universities and innovation centres; support the country’s transition to a circular, low-waste economy; and empower Qatar’s ambition to become a regional benchmark for sustainable industries.Ghanim al-Sulaiti, founder of Enbat Group and Papercut, stated: “Enavra represents the future of bio-plastics in the region, and bringing them into Papercut allows us to scale that future faster. With the support of QDB and our continuous investment in innovation, we are ready to take Enavra to the next level, expanding production, strengthening research, and delivering sustainable solutions that can compete globally.“This acquisition aligns directly with Qatar National Vision 2030, especially our responsibility to reduce waste and build circular systems. Packaging must become part of the solution, not the problem, and through innovation, we can lead that change. Our ambition is clear: to become the region’s leader in bio-plastic manufacturing.”Saoud al-Emadi, CEO & founder of Enavra, said: “Our partnership with Papercut is more than an acquisition; it is a shared commitment to building the future of sustainable materials in Qatar.“Since the beginning, Enavra was created to offer locally developed bio-plastic solutions that reduce reliance on traditional plastics and support a cleaner, more conscious way of producing and consuming.”He added: “With the support of QDB and Qatar’s growing innovation ecosystem, we are ready for the next chapter. Together, Enavra and Papercut will invest in local manufacturing and develop solutions that position Qatar as a leader in sustainable material innovation across the region.”Papercut and Enavra will work together to develop next-generation compostable and biodegradable materials, build Qatar’s first large-scale bio-plastics manufacturing hub, reduce national waste through responsible packaging solutions, strengthen the country’s role as a regional sustainability leader, and advance the environmental pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.The official announcement will take place during the three-day ‘Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference’ at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).

From plastic waste transformed into carpets to eggshells becoming tableware and numerous new products, Thai upcycling is proving that sustainability can produce high-value items that attract global luxury brands. This was the message of Dr Singh Intrachooto, chief adviser to the Research and Innovation for Sustainability Centre and an associate professor at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, in an interview about “Thailand’s Innovative Upcycling for Everyday Life” exhibition at M7. The week-long exhibition, presented by the Thai embassy in collaboration with Qatar Museums from September 8-14, aims to showcase Thailand's expertise in the circular economy and inspire similar initiatives in Qatar. Speaking to Gulf Times, Dr Intrachooto said he hopes that visitors to the exhibition would be surprised by the diverse applications of recycled materials, saying: “So the product you see here at M7 would be something the people (would say), ‘Oh really? The carpet can be made from plastic waste or even the paint from my wall can absorb carbon? Those are made from just ashes or eggshells?’” He underlined the huge potential of upcycling, such as “eggshells into tableware, into countertops, and a lot of people like to eat fruits, we turn mango peels, banana peels into leather”. “With this kind of innovation that people could see here at M7, they will start thinking, ‘hey maybe sustainability is not so far away after all’”, Dr Intrachooto said. He pointed out that these are tangible, everyday items that everyone can support, understand, and use. He added that the exhibition aims to spark initiative and encourage collaboration across borders, highlighting art, science, and co-operation as key elements for progress. About the viability of such initiatives in Qatar, Dr Intrachooto drew parallels with Thailand’s own journey, saying: “Can Qatar do this? I definitely think they can”. He recalled initial skepticism in Thailand about upcycling, but noted that after 15 years, it has evolved into mass production and established new industries. “It became a new industry to serve the future, needs and trends,” he said, citing the growing demand for sustainable products in the booming green building sector, and suggesting that Qatar is in a “great position” to capitalise on this market. While some people might question upcycling’s cost-effectiveness, he assured that “if you start doing it, you get the price down within the first few years”. Dr Intrachooto revealed the significant appeal of upcycled materials to the luxury market, as he addressed concerns about attracting customers, especially in the context of popular brands. “For example... we work with Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Cartier, so that means even big brands want to use this kind of materials,” he said, stressing the importance of merging design with science. “You can not just push science, and it doesn’t look good, and you can not just do the design without having the substance of new innovation,” Dr Intrachooto said. He expressed optimism that a Scrap Lab can be established in Qatar, along with partners, which will serve as an academic “sandbox” for developing new formulas and solutions, which would then become available to industries.