Aquagrain to deploy soil enhancing technology in UAE
Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) announced a US$2.5 million pilot project with Aquagrain, which has developed soil enhancing technology that harnesses organic waste to enable crops to be grown in arid land, sandy soils or pots using up to 50% less water and inorganic fertilisers. Aquagrain’s method converts organic food industry waste into a biodegradable polymer that absorbs and releases water, thus serving as food and drink reservoir for plants.
The project will see the first-ever commercial scale Aquagrain production facility built in Abu Dhabi with organic food industry waste, currently sent to landfill, converted into Aquagrain and used to produce food and reduce water and fertiliser use in farming and horticulture.
Tadweer managing director and CEO Ali Al Dhaheri said: “We are proud to partner with Aquagrain and introduce a vital soil improving technology that harnesses organic waste to significantly enhance the economic and innovative value of circularity in the waste management sector. Together, we are confident we can have a significant impact on sustainable and regenerative farming, delivering measurable progress towards reducing emissions, whilst increasing food and water security in the UAE and beyond.”
Aquagrain CEO Paul Smith said: “We are delighted to be working with Tadweer on this pilot project, which marks a significant milestone in Aquagrain’s development. Since setting up in the UAE earlier in 2023, it was clear that this is a nation not just talking about sustainability, but actively investing in achieving it. We felt that our technology could help meet the five key challenges to UAE food security and identified Tadweer as an ideal strategic partner to help us deliver Aquagrain’s impact not just in the UAE, but ultimately across the MENA region and the wider world.”