RIYADH: Saudi Investment Recycling Co. has launched the first solid waste treatment plant inside Jeddah Islamic Port, marking a significant step toward sustainability and a circular economy.
The Public Investment Fund-owned firm will operate the facility through its subsidiary, Reviva, to enhance operational efficiency and safety, according to a statement.
The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 and integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into the economy.
It also supports Reviva’s mission to divert 85 percent of industrial waste from landfills through treatment and recycling while promoting the use of reprocessed materials.
Reviva CEO Nasser Al-Mutairi described the plant’s launch as a strategic step reflecting SIRC’s commitment to innovative, sustainable waste management solutions. The facility enables on-site treatment of solid and non-compliant waste per international standards, eliminating the need for external transport.
The CEO further highlighted this directly reduces environmental impact and supports the shift away from landfills, reinforcing the principles of a circular economy while enhancing financial and environmental sustainability.
Reviva leads the industrial hazardous waste sector, advancing recycling practices and landfill diversion to meet the Kingdom’s sustainability goals. Its core services include integrated environmental solutions and services, recycling and waste management solutions such as oil and water recovery, byproduct recycling, industrial maintenance, and environmental testing and studies.
The project is part of SIRC’s broader strategy to expand investment in the recycling sector and build an integrated waste management infrastructure. It also creates job opportunities and increases private sector involvement in waste management initiatives.
Additionally, SIRC is developing integrated environmental projects at Jeddah Islamic Port, including specialized sites for hazardous waste treatment from cargo ships.
These efforts aim to improve marine waste management, promote sustainability, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in waste management and recycling.
Saudi Arabia is seeking to make the most of this industry, and in January 2024 the Kingdom’s Ministry of Environment announced a comprehensive plan to recycle a significant portion – up to 95 percent – of the country’s waste.
This initiative is anticipated to contribute approximately SR120 billion ($31.99 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product, and aims to generate over 100,000 employment opportunities for the Kingdom’s nationals.
The program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainable development goals, emphasizing the implementation of well-designed strategies and processes across various sectors, including the National Environment Strategy.
