Dubai, UAE | 21 October 2026 | Crowne Plaza Dubai – Deira by IHG
Dubai is set to welcome plastics manufacturers, recyclers, technology providers, brand owners, policymakers, investors and sustainability leaders for the PolyNext Awards & Conference Dubai 2026, taking place on 21 October 2026 at Crowne Plaza Dubai – Deira by IHG, Salah Al Din St, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The in-person conference is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (GMT+4) and is designed to bring together professionals from across the plastics, recycling, sustainable packaging and circular economy industries. According to the official event portal, the programme spans 17 sessions, combining keynotes, panel discussions, networking breaks and the PolyNext Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations advancing plastic recycling and circular economy solutions.
A Message from Our CEO
PolyNext Awards & Conference Dubai 2026 is designed as a focused platform for the polymer and materials industry, where innovation, sustainability and business strategy intersect. Bringing together recyclers, manufacturers, technology providers and policymakers from across the value chain, the event aims to create an environment where leaders can share practical insights, recognize excellence and accelerate meaningful collaboration toward a more circular plastics economy.
— Anas Jawed, CEO, Next Business Media
[Placeholder message — please confirm or replace with an approved direct quote from the CEO before publication. This version was adapted from public commentary attributed to Anas Jawed and has not been verified as an official on-record statement.]
A Full Day Focused on Advancing Plastic Recycling and Circularity
The PolyNext Dubai programme brings together discussions spanning supply-chain resilience, plastic footprint methodology, recycled-content standards, advanced recycling technologies, sustainable packaging and circular-economy business models.
The agenda features 17 sessions, beginning with opening remarks and continuing through a full day of keynotes, panels, networking and the PolyNext Awards Ceremony.
Conference Agenda — 21 October 2026 (confirmed sessions)
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM — Opening Remarks
- Anas Jawed, CEO, Next Business Media
The conference will open with remarks from Anas Jawed, setting the stage for a day focused on the practical challenges and opportunities shaping plastic recycling and the circular economy.
9:10 AM – 9:40 AM — Ensuring Business Continuity in the Face of Supply Chain Disruptions in Plastic Recycling Ecosystems
- Vikas Chhajer, CEO, Gemcorp Recycling & Technologies Pvt. Ltd
This session addresses the importance of building resilient recycling ecosystems capable of adapting to changing market and supply-chain conditions, exploring how recycling businesses can strengthen operational continuity, diversify supply sources and support long-term resilience.
9:40 AM – 10:10 AM — Session: Plastic Footprint Methodology — How a Global Standard Can Incentivize Reuse & Recycling Efforts
10:10 AM – 10:50 AM — Coffee Break & Networking
[NOTE TO CLIENT: The event portal’s agenda view only rendered these first sessions through page fetch; the remaining 13 of 17 sessions (times, titles and assigned speakers) load dynamically on the site and could not be retrieved automatically. Please share the full agenda export/PDF or paste the remaining session details, and I will complete this section with the correct timings and speaker names before finalizing.]
Featured Speakers
PolyNext Dubai 2026 currently features 26 confirmed speakers representing plastics recycling, sustainable packaging, polymer manufacturing, waste management, environmental sustainability and the circular economy.
Anas Jawed — CEO, Next Business Media
Anas Jawed is the CEO and founder of Next Business Media, serving as Conference Chair for PolyNext Awards & Conference Dubai 2026. His work spans business events, technology and digital solutions, with Next Business Media bringing together industry leaders through conferences and related platforms across sectors including plastics recycling, AI, agriculture and energy.
Rachida Semail — Partner, Keller and Heckman LLP
Rachida Semail is a Partner in Keller and Heckman’s Brussels office, specialising in EU food law, food-contact materials, packaging regulations, and international product compliance. She advises multinational companies on complex regulatory frameworks, including packaging waste and recycling, single-use plastics, food labelling, and product safety requirements. With extensive experience in EU regulatory compliance and policymaking, she helps businesses navigate regulatory challenges and develop effective market-entry strategies across Europe and international markets.
Fausto Tazzi — General Manager, Romana Group of Companies
Fausto Tazzi is a leading voice in circular packaging systems and EPR implementation, with over 25 years of executive experience across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. As Co-Founder and Senior Advisor of PRO Vietnam, he helped build the country’s first authorized packaging recycling coalition, now gathering more than 30 multinational and local companies to accelerate Vietnam’s transition toward a fully circular packaging economy. Currently General Manager of Romana Group of Companies in Dubai, he previously led multiple markets for Nestlé Waters, driving large-scale transformations in water stewardship and sustainable packaging innovation.
Reham Mohamadein — PhD, Technical Support Manager, Elsewedy Polymers
Dr. Reham Mohamadien is the Technical Support Manager at Elsewedy Polymers, bringing over 20 years of experience in polymer formulation, compounding technologies, and materials science. Holding a PhD in Materials Science, she specialises in sustainable materials, mechanical recycling, and recycled-polymer solutions that enhance material performance and manufacturing efficiency. Her work advances circular economy practices and supports the adoption of resource-efficient, sustainable plastics across Egypt, the MENA region, and international markets.
Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Alsahly — Researcher of Manufacturing Sustainability Performance | Member, Al-Ahsa Chamber | Development and Continuous Improvement Manager, AlSehly Trading & Manufacturing Co.
Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Alsahly is a development and continuous improvement professional with a PhD in Production Methods and Sustainability from Brunel University of London. His expertise includes manufacturing sustainability, operational improvement, resource efficiency, and organisational development. An international sustainability speaker and management trainer, he shares insights on supply chain resilience, business continuity, and circular economy practices, including sustainable plastic recycling.
Priyanka Jha — Director, Advance Plastic Chips Manufacturing LLC
Priyanka Jha brings over 12 years of experience across banking, finance and the plastics industry. As the driving force behind Advance Plastic Chips Manufacturing LLC, she has been instrumental in transforming the plastic recycling landscape in the UAE, implementing eco-friendly processes, introducing recycling technologies that improve efficiency and product quality, and forging strategic industry partnerships. Under her leadership, the company has secured certifications including ISO 14001, 45001, 9001 and the Global Recycle Standard (GRS), along with Ecolabel approval.
Sven Jacobi — Founder, MBRC the ocean
Sven Jacobi is the Founder of MBRC the ocean, a social enterprise dedicated to transforming ocean-bound plastic into valuable products while supporting global marine conservation. Since May 2020 he has scaled the organization into a global movement with more than 250 cleaning hubs and a network of over 10,000 volunteers and collectors. He also initiated MBRC the children, an environmental education program, and MBRC the trees, focused on afforestation and long-term sustainability projects. He brings more than 20 years of experience in business development, marketing and partnership building.
Naeem H. Mady – VP RMA & Global Business Development Regulatory Market Access USA, Intertek Assuris
Naeem H. Mady is an analytical chemistry and regulatory compliance expert with over 50 years of professional experience. As Vice President at Intertek Assuris, he leads teams advising on global chemical regulations, food-contact compliance, and recycling supply chain management. A published author and frequent speaker at industry conferences, he has contributed extensively to regulatory guidance for chemicals, plastics, and packaging.
Luis Gómez Prieto – Plant Manager of the Los Cantiles Organic Waste Treatment Centre, PreZero España
Luis Gómez Prieto is a waste management and circular economy professional responsible for the daily operations and overall management of the Los Cantiles Organic Waste Treatment Centre in Spain. His expertise spans waste treatment, resource recovery, biogas and biomethane projects, and operational optimisation, with a focus on improving treatment efficiency and transforming organic waste into valuable resources, including compost and renewable energy.
Andrea Trolese – General Manager, B&A WASTE MANAGEMENT
Andrea Trolese is an environmental services and sustainability executive with over 14 years of experience in business development, strategic advisory, and contract management across the UAE. As General Manager at B&A Waste Management, he brings expertise in circular economy technologies, including upcycling, waste-to-energy, and end-of-waste solutions. His work focuses on advancing resource-efficient initiatives through strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and waste management and infrastructure development.
Rémi Cesaro – Founder & Director, Zero Waste City
Rémi Cesaro is an engineering and sustainability consultant specialising in waste management, packaging design, and resource-use efficiency for large commercial and industrial facilities. Through Zero Waste City, he helps organisations implement systemic approaches to waste reduction and resource optimisation, drawing on cross-industry experience across New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore to advance circular economy practices.
Le Anh – Sustainability Director, DUYTAN Recycling
Le Anh is a sustainability professional with a master’s degree from Maastricht University in the Netherlands. As Sustainability Director at DUYTAN Recycling, he leads sustainable development initiatives and external partnerships aligned with the company’s business strategy. He has helped build collaborations with major brands, industry partners, and associations to advance sustainability initiatives and support the development of a more circular economy.
Harbinder Singh – Chairman, YES Full Circle Solutions
Harbinder Singh is an environmental services and circular economy leader with over 35 years of experience across 15 countries, having held senior leadership roles at organisations including Averda, SUEZ, Sembcorp, and Veolia’s predecessor CGEA. He has pioneered major recycling and waste-to-resource initiatives across the Middle East and now leads YES Full Circle, a social enterprise combining climate action with efforts to address income inequality. He holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Manchester, an MBA from the University of Chicago, and has been a certified Chief Sustainability Officer since 2017.
Tariq Rashid Alsuwaidi – Director of New Economy Department, UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism
Tariq Rashid Alsuwaidi leads the UAE’s New Economy Department and serves as Secretary-General of the UAE Circular Economy Council, advancing circular economy policy, green growth, and resource efficiency. His work brings government entities, businesses, and international partners together to promote sustainable production, recycling, circular logistics, and green procurement. He holds master’s degrees in Business Analytics and Economic Studies and has completed executive programmes at Harvard Kennedy School and Cambridge Judge Business School.
Abhijeet Chaudhary – Senior Waste & Resource Management Consultant, Egis
Abhijeet Chaudhary leads Egis’s Waste Management Design Engineering and Performance Division in the GCC, a practice he helped build. Over nine years, he has advised on some of the region’s largest waste-to-energy, material recovery facilities and recycling programmes and led 30+ waste audits across seven GCC cities, helping move the region toward a circular economy.
Dr. Eng. Nawal Alhanaee – Director of Future Energy Department, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Dr. Eng. Nawal Alhanaee leads the Future Energy Department at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, contributing to energy innovation and sustainable development. With extensive experience in engineering, municipal projects, facilities management, and urban planning, she brings expertise in public sector innovation and future foresight. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a master’s degree in Urban Planning, and is pursuing a PhD in Architecture and Sustainable Built Environment at the British University in Dubai.
Amit Grover – Founding Partner & CEO, Grover & Company
Amit Grover is an entrepreneur, investor, and business leader with over 26 years of experience across brand marketing, management consulting, and venture capital. As Founder and Managing Partner of Grover & Company and General Partner at Grover Impact Ventures, he focuses on investment opportunities in intangible assets, particularly intellectual property. He has held senior roles at ITC Ltd, Lavazza Coffee, and Pernod Ricard, and actively supports innovation and entrepreneurship through board, advisory, and mentoring roles.
Sunanda Ishwara Kadam – Regional General Manager, India & Middle East, Intertek Assuris
Sunanda Ishwara Kadam is a chemical and regulatory compliance professional with over 20 years of experience supporting clients across South Asia and the Middle East. At Intertek Assuris, she advises businesses on global chemical, environmental, and food-contact regulations, with expertise in packaging sustainability, restricted substances, risk assessment, and supply chain management. Her work helps organisations navigate evolving regulatory requirements and integrate sustainability into product development and international trade.
Mohammad Ishaq — Sourcing Manager, Ravago Recycling Middle East
Mohammad Ishaq is a business and sustainability professional with over 12 years of experience in recycling, waste management, and circular economy initiatives across the UAE and the Middle East. As Sourcing Manager at Ravago Recycling Middle East, he leads strategic sourcing and supplier partnerships for plastic raw materials, with a particular focus on PET recycling. His expertise in supply chain optimisation, commercial operations, and responsible sourcing supports sustainable material recovery and the advancement of circular economy practices across the plastics recycling industry.
Nima Vakili — Founder and CEO, Safa BioWorks
Nima Vakili is the Founder and CEO of Safa BioWorks, developing the MENA region’s first integrated platform chemicals manufacturing operation using regional agricultural feedstocks, starting with date palm biomass, to produce bio-based chemicals. Previously, he founded Chemplax LLC, a US-based biopolymer processing facility, bringing cross-border experience in industrial-scale bio-based chemistry. His work focuses on feedstock innovation, circular economy strategy, and advancing localized sustainable chemical production in the UAE.
Tobias Lind — CEO, THE THEVINYL AB
Tobias Lind is CEO and Sustainability Director at Thevinyl AB, where he leads strategic growth, PVC compounding innovation, and the transition toward low-carbon and circular solutions. With a Master of Science in Chemistry from Chalmers University of Technology and an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology, he combines technical expertise with business leadership to advance sustainable materials and industrial innovation.
Mike Thompson — Owner and Co-Founder, Blu Sky Technical Services Ltd
Mike Thompson is a circular-polymers and recycling specialist focused on recovering and reprocessing PET and PP needle-punch carpets from commercial and industrial environments. He leads the development and application of Blu Sky’s VeriPur process, addressing contamination control, material consistency, and traceability to produce high-quality recycled compounds and support ESG reporting.
Dirk-Jan Kootstra — Founder and Managing Director, Quattra-P
Dirk-Jan Kootstra is an engineering and manufacturing leader with over 25 years of experience in polymers, composites, and advanced manufacturing. As COO and Head of Manufacturing at Biome Renewables and founder of Quattra-P, he specialises in design-for-manufacture, industrialisation, and global supply chain development, helping translate innovative technologies into scalable, production-ready solutions. His career includes leading advanced manufacturing engineering for rotor blades at General Electric and holding patents in thermoplastic composite blade technologies.
Vikas Chhajer — CEO, Gemcorp Recycling & Technologies Pvt. Ltd
Vikas Chhajer is a recycling and sustainability leader with over two decades of experience in resource recovery and circular supply chains. He leads Gemcorp’s plastics recycling operations in India while driving sustainability and strategy at Gemini Corporation, focusing on scalable recycling infrastructure, traceable material flows, and packaging solutions incorporating recycled plastics. He also contributes to global sustainability dialogues, including Climate Week NYC, the World Economic Forum, and initiatives addressing plastic pollution.
Kaavyanjali — Member, Healing Al Hajar (NGO)
Kaavyanjali is a marketer with more than eight years of experience driving data-powered growth and go-to-market strategies across the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and India. Specializing in marketing analytics, performance marketing and GTM execution, she has a track record of optimizing resources and delivering measurable results for brands entering competitive markets.
Saeed Al Shamsi — Chairman, EXHub Holding
Saeed Al Shamsi is a strategic investment and business leader focused on global capital, cross-border partnerships, and emerging technology ecosystems. As Chairman of EXHub Holding, he has contributed to structuring over $10 billion in consortium-led opportunities and strategic ventures across sectors including AI, infrastructure, energy, and global commodities. He also chairs the AI20 Global Alliance, bringing together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to advance discussions on emerging technologies, AI governance, and future economic frameworks.
PolyNext Dubai 2026: Connecting Recycling Innovation With Business Impact
What distinguishes the Dubai programme is its focus on the practical implications of circularity across the plastics value chain — from feedstock availability and supply-chain resilience to advanced recycling technologies, packaging design, regulatory developments and measurable sustainability outcomes.
The breadth of the speaker lineup reflects this approach, bringing together leaders from organizations including Keller and Heckman LLP, Romana Group of Companies, Elsewedy Polymers, AlSehly Trading & Manufacturing Co., Advance Plastic Chips Manufacturing LLC, MBRC the ocean, Ravago Recycling Middle East, Safa BioWorks, THE THEVINYL AB, Blu Sky Technical Services Ltd, Zero Waste City, Quattra-P, Gemcorp Recycling & Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Healing Al Hajar, DUYTAN Recycling and EXHub Holding, alongside Next Business Media as host and Conference Chair.
Networking, Awards and Industry Engagement
Beyond the conference sessions, PolyNext Dubai provides opportunities for attendees to connect through dedicated networking breaks, an attendee directory, forum, one-to-one chat and networking connections available through paid passes.
The event portal also provides opportunities to speak, exhibit, sponsor, become a media partner, join as a thought leader or committee member, and nominate an individual or organization for the PolyNext Awards.
The conference will culminate in the PolyNext Awards Ceremony, recognizing companies, projects and professionals contributing to progress in plastic recycling, sustainability and circular-economy development.
Event Details
Event: PolyNext Awards & Conference Dubai 2026
Date: 21 October 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (GMT+4)
Venue: Crowne Plaza Dubai – Deira by IHG
Address: Salah Al Din St, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Join PolyNext Dubai 2026
With the plastics industry under growing pressure to close the loop on circularity, PolyNext Awards & Conference Dubai 2026 is positioned as a meeting point for leaders looking at what comes next — from supply-chain resilience and recycled-content standards to advanced recycling technologies and scalable circular business models.
For recyclers, manufacturers, brand owners, technology providers and sustainability professionals looking to understand and participate in the next phase of the plastics industry, the Dubai edition offers a full day of expert perspectives, industry discussions, networking and recognition.
PolyNext Awards & Conference Dubai 2026 takes place on 21 October 2026 at Crowne Plaza Dubai – Deira by IHG, Dubai, UAE.
Official Event Portal: https://portal.nextbusinessmedia.com/events/plastic-recycling-congress-2026
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