JEDDAH — Unilever signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON) to exchange knowledge and expertise on zero waste to landfill techniques. The MoU was signed on Tuesday at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) between Unilever's Managing Director Engineer Khalid Fayed and Engineer Khamis Saleh Al Ghamdi, MODON's Head of Operations and Investor Relations. "The MoU with Binzagr Unilever Limited is of extreme importance to exchange knowledge and information about waste reduction. MODON is committed to developing industrial cities in line with global best practices, particularly in terms of sustainability and low environmental impact. Partners like Binzagr Unilever Limited are an invaluable resource for private sector expertise. We look forward to our collaborative efforts making a tangible difference to the country's prosperity," said MODON's spokesperson Sami Al Hussaini. On the side of the ceremony, Binzagr Unilever has held a Zero Waste Workshop to help other organizations learn from the brand's zero waste philosophy. "Our journey to Zero waste initiative is designed to take the knowledge and expertise that we have gained in our own transition to zero waste to landfill, and disseminate it to other industry stakeholders and decision-makers. 1.3 billion tons of solid waste is collected each year worldwide. A staggering 80% of this is sent to landfill – enough to cover an area of land equivalent to almost 1 and a half million football pitches. Unilever is committing itself to advancing the cause of sustainability in manufacturing across Saudi Arabia," said Unilever's Managing Director Engineer Khalid Fayed. In 2015, Binzagr Unilever Limited's factory reached its goal of Zero Waste to Landfill, joining over 600 Unilever sites across 70 countries to achieve the target, and becoming one of the first factories in Saudi Arabia to reach the milestone. Through its Zero Waste workshops, Unilever is now reaching out to other organizations with its know-how in waste reduction to promote sustainability across Saudi Arabia. In conclusion, a special ceremony was held to honor the six winners of the Unilever Environmental Research Award held in collaboration with the Saudi Society of Environmental Sciences - King Abdulaziz University. The research award was promoted to Saudi universities and colleges in an attempt to increase the awareness about the importance preserving the environment, as well as engaging the students in the environmental activities to unleash their talents and potential. The award consisted of three categories: Water reduction, Waste Recycling, and Energy Reduction. "Such events create tremendous opportunities that benefit sustainable development and environmental considerations throughout the Saudi society. By bringing industry players and public sector decision-makers together under one roof for the same cause, Binzagr Unilever Limited is helping catalyze a movement towards genuine sustainability and zero waste to landfill," Fayed added.
