Source: FoodTechBiz
This greenhouse roof is being utilized in the National Food Production Initiative (NFPI), alongside other leading public and private sector champions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, all aimed at enhancing the sustainability of agriculture and food security in the region.
In this collaborative effort, SABIC's linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) resin is employed in the roofs of large agricultural greenhouses. The polymer is produced using certified circular feedstock derived from mixed post-consumer plastics, making it part of the company's TRUCIRCLE portfolio, which focuses on circular solutions.
The mixed plastics undergo an advanced recycling process to be converted into pyrolysis oil, which is then used to create new polymer resins like LLDPE formulations that match the purity and quality of traditional virgin plastics at SABIC’s plant in Jubail, KSA. Napco National then uses this certified circular LLDPE to produce a robust greenhouse roofing film.
We are proud to have collaborated on this innovative project using our TRUCIRCLE material solutions. The agricultural greenhouses, made with certified circular polyethylene from SABIC, utilize advanced recycled plastic, providing significant sustainability benefits. This initiative highlights how SABIC is collaborating with local entities to drive plastic circularity, demonstrating the power of collective efforts to benefit the agriculture industry in the Kingdom and potentially beyond.
Exceptional Property Features
The film manufactured by Napco National, using SABIC’s certified circular polyethylene, boasts a thickness of 200 µm. It demonstrates impressive tensile strength and elongation and has successfully passed important Elmendorf tear and dart impact tests. The SABIC polymer also provides high clarity and UV stability. Additionally, the award-winning SecondSky technology from iyris enhances thermal performance by blocking near-infrared heat while still allowing the transmission of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR).
We are proud to have sponsored the production of the SecondSky greenhouse film for the Al-Bada prototype farm, utilizing SABIC TRUCIRCLE material which performs very well on our existing PE Film extrusion lines. This collaboration stands as a testament to Napco National’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation. Together, we are shaping a success story that paves the way for a greener future and a more sustainable agricultural industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In this narrative, SABIC stands out as the first material supplier in the region to offer certified circular polymers locally, sourced from ISCC PLUS certified feedstock through advanced recycling. As customers become more aware of their environmental impact, this TRUCIRCLE offering, based on local capabilities, responds to the increasing demand for sustainable and responsible materials.
Broad Value Chain Collaboration
Additional KSA-based collaborators within the NFPI's extensive value chain include Red Sea Global, a developer of regenerative tourism destinations; Tamala, a local farmers' cooperative; King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) for analytical studies; Terraxy, a soil regeneration expert; and the University of Tabuk for reporting on the project's outcomes.
The NFPI has already yielded a significant result, with the establishment of a 0.75-hectare greenhouse model facility on previously unused, regenerated land at Al-Bada, KSA. This sizable facility, which includes a majlis (meeting center), is fully operational, and the first crop harvests have been successfully delivered to Red Sea Global resorts.
A Scalable Model for KSA and Beyond
Saudi Arabia still relies much on imported fresh produce. With this project, we have embarked on a mission to transform the Kingdom’s potential to sustainably improve its food security and secure the future of local food production. The integration of our SecondSky technologies with SABIC’s TRUCIRCLE materials shows how the continued efforts of Saudi companies can transform the agriculture industry and benefit farmers.
The Al-Bada facility is viewed by the partners as a transformative solution for Saudi farmers, enabling them to rejuvenate land in areas where climate change has made cultivation more difficult. This initiative conserves water, energy, and fertigation costs while enhancing both crop yield and quality.
