KSA’s SIRC forms a JV for organic waste recycling: The Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) is forming a JV with KSA’s Edama Organic Solutions to explore sustainable solutions for organic waste management, according to a statement. The venture aims to convert over 1 mn tons of organic waste into soil amendments — materials mixed into the upper layer of soil to improve plant growth — each year, improving soil fertility while minimizing environmental pollution, carbon emissions, and reliance on imported amendments.

Why organic waste recycling? The soil mixes produced by the JV will enhance agricultural productivity, leading to increased local food security and reduced water irrigation requirements, as well as facilitating land reclamation and tree planting projects, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

KSA is not the only one looking into investments in the organic waste sector: UAE-based Zero Carbon signed an MoU in September with Egypt’s Green Planet for a pilot project focused on the treatment and transformation of organic waste into income-generating products.

SIRC has been on a roll: Saudi air carrier Flynas signed a collaboration agreement with the SIRC last August to develop tech to repurpose the airline’s refuse, including e-waste such as battery cells and biowaste like spent oils. SIRC also signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned National Agricultural Development Company (Nadec) in February to jointly recycle 400k tons of biowaste annually with the goal of converting the refuse into organic fertilizers.

About SIRC: SIRC joined the European Petrochemical Association in August under a strategic plan to expand its recycling business and bolster cooperation with global counterparts. The recycling firm also has a 60% share in Masab Plastic Factory Company. Earlier this year, the company landed second on the Forbes list of the most innovative firms in environmental sustainability.

About Edama: Edama was established in 2017 as a spin-off company from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), according to its website. It is currently the leading company developing organic waste recycling solutions designed specifically for desert environments. Edama’s agricultural products improve the water holding capacity and fertility of sandy soil and supply the booming, water-efficient hydroponics and indoor farming sectors, increasing desert food production and reducing water consumption, the website explains.