Efficient Use of Resources: Advancing Sustainability in the UAE Food Industry
The UAE has set ambitious sustainability goals under frameworks such as the UAE Green Agenda 2030 and the We the UAE 2031 Policy, reflecting a national commitment to resource efficiency. As a key contributor to the food industry, United Foods Company (UFC) continues to implement innovative measures to enhance water and waste management practices, ensuring long-term operational resilience in the region’s arid climate.
Water Conservation
In response to water scarcity challenges in the MENA region, United Foods Company has implemented advanced water recycling technologies, successfully repurposing 29 Mn liters of water across its operations in 2024, accounting for 46% of total water usage. This effort contributed to an overall 15% reduction in water consumption, from 73.27 Mn liters in 2023 to 63.55 Mn liters in 2024.
Advanced Water Treatment Technologies
United Foods utilizes an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and a Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant to maximize water re-use thereby improving the efficiency:
ETP Plant: Treats wastewater by removing contaminants through coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and biological treatment.
RO Plant: Further purifies treated water using a semi-permeable membrane, making it suitable for industrial processes, irrigation, or even potable use after disinfection.
United Foods CEO Mr. Fethi Khiari said “United Foods Company is also advancing sustainability through waste reduction initiatives. By prioritizing resource efficiency, UFC aligns with the UAE’s national sustainability goals, actively contributing to environmental responsibility and long-term economic resilience. Through continuous innovation and commitment to sustainable practices, we are playing a crucial role in supporting the UAE’s vision for a greener future”.
