Abu Dhabi-based water company Agthia Group is launching new plant-based water bottles under its brand, Al Ain - the first locally made plant-based water bottles in the MENA region.

The new packaging - from the bottle and its paper wrap, to the cap - is made out of plant-based sources, making them biodegradable and compostable within 80 days. 

The used bottles could then be sent to a partner composting company, or be recycled and reused.

The bottles will first be distributed among food service providers, including hotels, airports and government offices, in May. After testing them out with the providers, they plan to sell them in supermarkets.

The new packaging - from the bottle and its paper wrap, to the cap - is made out of plant-based sources, making them biodegradable and compostable within 80 days. 

While it will be priced higher initially, because the process is more expensive, he also said that the future pricing model will depend on consumer demand and supply as well as the availability of the raw material stock needed to create the bottle.

“At the end of the day, supply and demand will dictate the market and the customer will choose. We present them with options and they choose what suits them,” explained Agthia Group CEO Tariq Ahmed Al Wahedi, according to Gulf Business. “We have the capability to adapt. Today there is a bit of limitation in having the raw material, but if it turns out there is good demand, eventually we can expand capacities,” he explained.

On Monday, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, also commented, saying he hoped to see more companies make an effort to reduce plastic use.

"We hope to see more businesses across all sectors with the same level of awareness and commitment to reducing their footprint to ensure that the UAE remains sustainable well into the future.”