Abstract

Waste management in Arab countries has become a critical issue due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrialization. Historically, waste management systems in the region were rudimentary, relying on landfill disposal with minimal recycling or resource recovery. However, over the past decade, many Arab nations have started investing in modern waste management technologies and sustainable practices to address the growing environmental challenges.

One of the key trends in the region is the shift towards waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading in the adoption of WTE plants, which convert waste into electricity or heat, providing a dual benefit of reducing landfill use and generating renewable energy. Additionally, recycling initiatives have gained momentum, with increasing efforts to segregate waste at the source and introduce more sophisticated collection and sorting mechanisms.

Another emerging trend is the integration of circular economy principles into waste management strategies. Several countries, such as Qatar and Bahrain, are focusing on reducing waste generation, reusing materials, and ensuring that products are designed for longevity and recyclability. Governments are also enforcing stricter environmental regulations, which encourage private sector involvement and innovation in waste management solutions.

Public awareness campaigns are another crucial aspect, aimed at educating citizens about the importance of waste reduction and recycling. Social media platforms are playing a significant role in spreading awareness and promoting sustainable practices among the younger population.

In conclusion, Arab countries are rapidly modernizing their waste management systems, aligning with global sustainability goals. While challenges remain, such as limited recycling infrastructure in some regions, the latest trends indicate a positive shift towards more efficient, environmentally-friendly practices.

Biography

Camilia Farag  has completed his MD from Ashley university – USA  in project management and post garduate studies in Total quality management and waste management. She is a seasosned with over a decade  of experience project managment. Currently serving a senior project manager for construction company specialized in enviromental solutions tailored upon customer needs.

Abstract

Waste management is a critical factor in the manufacturing industry in developing countries. Chemical wastes contaminate water, land and air and make the environment uninhabitable for human beings. The study focused on examining the impact of GHRM practices in the manufacturing industry of Pakistan on the sustainable performance of the firm. There is a dire need for workplace pro-environmental behaviour in organizations, along with the systems to adopt sustainable performance. Data was collected through survey-based questionnaires in this positivist, deductive, and quantitative study. PLS-SEM was used to examine the impact of GHRM practices through the mediation of green ambidexterity innovation. There was a significant positive direct impact of  GHRM practices on green ambidexterity, green ambidexterity on workplace pro-environmental behaviour (WPEB), and WPEB on sustainable performance. Green ambidexterity innovation mediated the relationship between all GHRM practices (green training and development, green performance management, green pay and reward systems and green involvement) except green recruitment and selection. These results provide a guideline to managers on the adoption of GHRM practices, and WPEB can be helpful to manage wastage from manufacturing firms effectively. NCA analysis investigated the logic of the necessity of predictor variables for achieving specific outcome levels of the target variables. The GRS was overlooked in PLS-SEM but was successfully captured from the bottleneck analysis of NCA. The findings of the study provide in-depth insights and future suggestions for the Government, policy makers, organizations, and individuals in the manufacturing industry. It is concluded that investing in GHRM practices can help employees working in the manufacturing industry to adopt WPEB to avoid the detrimental effects of their activities on the waste.

Biography

Jawaria Ahmad is a dedicated academic and researcher currently serving as a Permanent Faculty Member (Lecturer) at the Institute of Management Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan, Pakistan, a position she has held since 2019. With a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in the fields of sustainability, HRM and organizational leadership, Jawaria Ahmad is pursuing her PhD at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB). Jawaria Ahmad has a passion for integrating sustainability into academic and organizational practices, and her research has been widely recognized for its relevance and impact. She is actively involved in academic collaborations and publications, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice in the pursuit of a sustainable future.

Abstract

The escalating threat of water pollution driven by industrial effluents laden with dyes, heavy metals, solvents, and oils—demands transformative and sustainable treatment technologies. Nanocellulose has gained considerable attention as a next-generation material for wastewater remediation, owing to its high surface area, mechanical robustness, biodegradability, and versatile surface chemistry. This presentation explores recent advances in the development and application of nanocellulose-based systems for wastewater treatment. Emphasis is placed on its role in the adsorption of heavy metals, dye removal, and oil-water separation, supported by surface functionalization techniques that enhance selectivity and performance. Nanocellulose-based membranes offer additional advantages, including reduced fouling, improved thermal stability, and environmental compatibility, presenting a compelling alternative to conventional treatment systems. Key synthesis routes, surface modification strategies, and adsorption mechanisms are discussed to elucidate the material’s effectiveness. By bridging material innovation with environmental engineering, this presentation highlights nanocellulose as a strategic solution for advancing water sustainability and calls for interdisciplinary collaboration to accelerate its industrial integration.

Biography

R.A. Ilyas is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia. He is also a Fellow of International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM), Sweden, Fellow of International Society for Development and Sustainability (ISDS), Japan, a member of Royal Society of Chemistry, UK and Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), UK, Chair of Science Outreach for Young Scientists Network – Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM) 2023. He received his Diploma in Forestry, Bachelor’s Degree (BSc) in Chemical Engineering, and Ph.D. degree in the field of Biocomposite Technology & Design at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. R.A. Ilyas was the recipient of the MVP Doctor of Philosophy Gold Medal Award UPM 2019, for Best Ph.D. Thesis and Top Student Award, INTROP, UPM. He was awarded with National Young Scientist Award 2024 (Engineering) by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia, Outstanding Reviewer by Carbohydrate Polymers, Elsevier United Kingdom, Top Cited Article 2020-2021 Journal Polymer Composite, Wiley, 2022, and Best Paper Award at various International Conferences. R.A. Ilyas also was listed and awarded among World’s Top 2% Scientist (Career-Long Achievement) Year 2022 and 2023, World’s Top 2% Scientist (Subject-Wise) Citation Impact during the Single Calendar Year 2019-2023 by Stanford University, US, PERINTIS Publication Award 2021 and 2022 by Persatuan Saintis Muslim Malaysia, Emerging Scholar Award by Automotive and Autonomous Systems 2021, Belgium, Young Scientists Network – Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM) 2021, UTM Young Research Award 2021, UTM Publication Award 2021&2023, and UTM Highly Cited Researcher Award 2021. In 2021, he won Gold Award and Special Award (Kreso Glavac (The Republic of Croatia) at the Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE2022), Gold Award dan Special Award at International Borneo Innovation, Exhibition & Competition 2022 (IBIEC2022), and, a Gold Award at New Academia Learning Innovation (NALI2022). He was awarded with Best Scientific Book Award from COMSTECH, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan and ModTech, Romania. His main research interests are (1) Polymer Engineering (Biodegradable Polymers, Biopolymers, Polymer composites, Polymer-gels) and (2) Material Engineering (Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, Biocomposites, Cellulose materials, Nano-composites). To date he has authored or co-authored more than 500 publications on green materials related subjects.

Abstract

This study explores the circular economy (CE) potential in Japan’s textiles and fashion (CTF) industries and identifies collaboration opportunities for European businesses. By analyzing historical, cultural, and market trends, as well as private-sector initiatives and consumer behavior, the study highlights Japan’s unique challenges and strengths in transitioning to CE. Key barriers include regulatory differences, cultural gaps, and cost constraints. To address these, the research proposes a cooperation framework focusing on information sharing, education, market expansion, and joint technological development between EU and Japanese stakeholders. This approach emphasizes not only recycling and resource efficiency but also cultural preservation and social well-being, providing a holistic strategy for sustainable industry practices. The findings underline the potential for EU-Japan partnerships to accelerate CE adoption, leveraging Japan’s “mottainai” culture and the EU’s advanced CE policies and technologies. This collaboration could enhance environmental sustainability, foster innovation, and benefit both economies. The study also serves as a practical roadmap for businesses aiming to enter or expand within Japan’s CTF sector, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Biography

Mayu Imanishi is a researcher and consultant specializing in ESG strategy, sustainability, and the circular economy. With over a decade of global consulting experience at IBM and the EU-Japan Centre, she has published academic research and led international collaborations on sustainable practices.