(Left to Right) Dr Matthew Sukumaran, Chief Operating Officer of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, H.E. Maher Al Kaabi, Advisor to the Group Chairman and Independent Board Member, Al Serkal Group of Companies and Member of the UAE Circular Economy Council, Dr. Loubna Zaitouni, Senior Legal Affairs Specialist, Special Projects Department – Minister Office, Dr Nika Salvetti (Visiting Professor and Lead Coordinator of the Packaging for Sustainability Programme and Scientific Platform on Sustainable Packaging, and Anna Schebsdat, Head of Executive Education at heriot-Watt University Dubai.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai successfully hosted the second edition of the Sustainability Symposium on 2 February 2026, bringing together academics, industry leaders, policymakers, humanitarian organisations and students to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Centred on the theme “The essential role of strategic partnerships in achieving sustainable packaging solutions”, the event underscored the importance of collaboration in driving circular economy outcomes.
Advancing Sustainable Packaging Through Collaboration
Building on the success of the inaugural Packaging for Sustainability Symposium held in 2024, the second edition reinforced the critical role of cross-sector partnerships in accelerating the transition to sustainable packaging systems. Through keynote addresses, business case studies and expert panel discussions, the symposium explored practical approaches to post-consumption waste management, emerging sustainable materials, and scalable solutions across commercial and humanitarian supply chains.
The discussions highlighted how alignment between policy, industry innovation and academic research is essential to addressing packaging waste at scale, both regionally and globally.
Leadership Perspectives on Strategic Partnerships
Commenting on the symposium, Dr Matthew Sukumaran, Chief Operating Officer of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, said,
“The II Sustainability Symposium reflects our continued commitment to addressing complex environmental challenges through education, research and meaningful collaboration. Since 2024, this platform has actively brought ideas beyond theory into action by convening policymakers, industry leaders, humanitarian organisations and our students. Strategic partnerships are central to advancing sustainable packaging solutions, and this initiative demonstrates how collective effort can deliver real, scalable impact.”
Guest of Honour and keynote speaker, H.E. Maher Al Kaabi, Advisor to the Group Chairman and Independent Board Member, Al Serkal Group of Companies and Member of the UAE Circular Economy Council, emphasised the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement.
“Sustainable packaging is not a challenge that can be addressed in isolation. It requires strategic partnerships that bring together science, industry, policymakers, and humanitarian actors to align innovation with regulation and scale. Heriot-Watt University’s leadership in convening this platform demonstrates how academia can play a critical role in translating research into practical, circular solutions that support the UAE’s sustainability objectives while delivering long-term economic and environmental value.”
Key Themes and Expert Discussions
The symposium featured a series of expert-led panel discussions addressing some of the most significant challenges and opportunities in sustainable packaging. Topics included post-consumption packaging waste, with a focus on collection, segregation and recycling systems; new sustainable materials such as biodegradable and compostable alternatives; and innovative packaging solutions from international markets.
Speakers examined how global best practices can be adapted to local and regional contexts, highlighting the importance of policy coherence, industry leadership and cross-border collaboration in delivering economically viable and environmentally responsible solutions.
Student Innovation and Applied Sustainability
A key highlight of the symposium was the presentation of outcomes from the II Design Competition, which challenged Heriot-Watt University Dubai students to develop applied solutions to real-world sustainability challenges. This year’s competition focused on post-consumption waste management at Expo City Dubai and sustainable packaging within humanitarian supply chains, in collaboration with partners including Dubai Humanitarian and Othalo. The shortlisted student projects demonstrated how design thinking, innovation and strategic partnerships can work together to deliver measurable environmental impact.
Supporting the UAE’s Sustainability Vision
Through initiatives such as the Sustainability Symposium, Heriot-Watt University Dubai continues to play a convening role in advancing sustainable packaging practices while supporting the UAE’s broader sustainability and circular economy objectives. By bridging academia, industry and policy, the university is helping translate research into actionable solutions that drive long-term environmental and economic value.
To find out more about Heriot-Watt University Dubai,
Further Reading:
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai Granted Accreditation for All Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes by the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Heriot Watt University Dubai Showcases Trailblazing Student Designs at The Degree Show 2025