Emirates Biotech has announced that the engineering division of Samsung, SAMSUNG E&A, will be the contractor for the construction of its polyactic acid (PLA) production plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The new site will be responsible for the production of biodegradable and sustainable plastic alternatives.
Officially named the Falcon PLA Project, Emirates Biotech hopes to expedite the transition from single-use plastics to renewable and biodegradable alternatives, ensuring a wide range of industries have access to environmentally conscious alternatives.
Under the terms of the agreement, SAMSUNG E&A will be responsible for all engineering, procurement and construction work on this project.
The pre-EPC contract — covering the initial phase of the collaboration — was signed on 14 April 2025.
Sulzer will also act as the technology provider for Emirates' new PLA plant, with Samsung on hand to ensure the equipment is properly integrated.
The plant, expected to be operational in early 2028, will be located in the KEZAD free zone in Abu Dhabi, a new industrial area with access to state-of-the-art transportation infrastructure including the deep sea port of Khalifa.
“SAMSUNG E&A has extensive expertise in delivering world-class engineering projects, and we are confident that this collaboration will ensure the seamless integration of technology into our PLA production facility," commented Marc Verbruggen, CEO of Emirates Biotech.
"The Falcon PLA Project will not only set new benchmarks for scale and efficiency, but it'll also play a key role in providing industries with a viable, sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics. As we move closer to construction, we are excited to see our plans take shape and contribute to the global shift toward a circular economy.”
Hong Namkoong, President and CEO of SAMSUNG E&A added: "SAMSUNG E&A is honoured to expand its customer base and enter a new market. This achievement strengthens its competitive position for future projects with Emirates Biotech, marking its entry into the growing eco-friendly plastics sector.”
Emirates Biotech aims to accelerate the transition from fossil-based plastics to renewable, biodegradable alternatives, ensuring industries worldwide have access to high-performance, environmentally responsible solutions.