The EPDs were independently verified. (Image source: OCI)

In a move that underscores its sustainability leadership in the region, Oman Cables Industry (OCI) has achieved Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its main cable families.

This milestone reinforces OCI’s role as both a regional leader in sustainable practices and a provider of comprehensive infrastructure solutions.

The EPD certifications offer a significant advantage to OCI’s customers by helping them meet rising demands for environmental transparency and carbon accountability across sectors such as construction, utilities, and infrastructure.

With these certifications in place, OCI enables stakeholders to build more responsibly, drive sustainable innovation, and stay ahead in an increasingly climate-conscious market.

The EPDs were independently verified and published by EPD Norge, developed in accordance with cable-specific Product Category Rules (PCRs).

Investing in ESG frameworks

These declarations present a rigorous, science-based account of each product’s environmental footprint, covering its entire lifecycle from raw material extraction to disposal.

As sustainability and carbon reporting become increasingly important for procurement decisions, regulatory compliance, and access to green financing, verified EPDs are proving essential.

They also support adherence to internationally recognised green building certification systems such as LEED and Estidama, as well as aligning with broader ESG investment frameworks.

OCI's EPD-backed products help customers achieve environmental standards and demonstrate climate action, whether for government infrastructure or private projects. This result enhances OCI's eligibility for worldwide and regional green tenders, and supports Oman's economic transformation under Vision 2040.

“At OCI, sustainability is not a campaign, it’s a core business principle,” said Erkan Aydogdu, CEO of Oman Cables Industry. “Securing EPD certification reflects our continued commitment to operational transparency, responsible growth, and long-term stakeholder value. We’re committed to empowering our customers and partners with the data they need to compete in tomorrow’s markets. And this is just the beginning more EPD certifications are underway.” 

OCI’s verified EPDs are publicly accessible through the EPD Norge website.

“We’re not just manufacturing cables, we’re enabling the next generation of infrastructure with purpose, performance, and accountability,” Aydogdu added.

Also read: OCI shares financial results; announces new board members

The facility opened on 19 June 2025. (Image source: Teledyne GFD)

Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) has partnered with Industrial Detection Solutions (IDS) to establish a 699 m² manufacturing facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step towards localising production of advanced gas detection technologies in the Kingdom.

The facility, which opened on 19 June 2025, will produce high-precision sensors used in hazardous environments such as oil and gas drilling sites, LNG/CNG plants, and petrochemical facilities.

The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s IKTVA programme, which encourages economic diversification and local supply chain development in the energy sector.

By bringing manufacturing closer to end users and suppliers, the partnership is expected to reduce lead times and enhance safety support across the region.

More features added

Key products to be produced at the new plant include Teledyne GFD’s DM-700 toxic gas sensor, and the FP-700 and IR-700 sensors for combustible gas detection.

These ‘smart’ sensors offer non-intrusive monitoring using electrochemical, catalytic bead, and infrared technologies, with robust designs that resist common causes of failure such as water ingress, corrosion, and vibration.

“Our new partnership with Industrial Detection Solutions ensures that manufacturing is closer to both customers and suppliers, enabling even faster delivery of class-leading gas detection products in support of more efficient supply chains,” said Thomas Moeller, VP Sales & Marketing at Teledyne GFD. “The proven solutions manufactured in KSA will better serve a vast regional industry that recognises the importance of a robust and prevalent safety culture. We are proud to be part of KSA’s remarkable ongoing journey of economic and industrial growth, and we look forward to a successful future together.”

Teledyne GFD recently also introduced the PS DUO, a new portable dual-gas detector designed to improve personal safety in hazardous environments. The compact handheld device can detect two gases simultaneously using passive diffusion sensing, and features real-time monitoring with audible, visual and vibrating alarms to alert users when gas levels exceed safe limits.

The PS DUO offers a broad selection of gas combinations including carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), ammonia (NH₃), oxygen (O₂), hydrogen (H₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃). Its ATEX/IECEx rating and 2-year warranty make it ideal for industrial settings. Users can select gas pairings tailored to their specific applications, such as H₂S and SO₂, particularly relevant in Middle Eastern operations.

The detector features a bright LCD screen displaying continuous gas concentration, wireless connectivity for easy data transfer, and internal memory capable of storing 30 alarm logs. Housed in a rugged IP67-rated rubberised casing, the PS DUO is lightweight (200g), ergonomic, and designed for comfort and ease of use in demanding environments. It runs for up to two years on a single replaceable battery.

Also read: Teledyne GFD's new portable dual-gas detector

EGA is also constructing the UAE’s largest aluminium recycling plant at Al Taweelah. (Image source: EGA)

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world’s largest producer of premium aluminium, has commenced production at its expanded Spectro Alloys aluminium recycling facility in Minnesota, USA.

The first phase of the expansion adds 55,000 tonnes of secondary billet production capacity, with full ramp-up expected by the first quarter of 2026. Once fully operational, the site will produce 165,000 tonnes of recycled aluminium billets and ingots annually.

The output from the expanded facility will be marketed under EGA’s RevivAL brand, which represents the company’s portfolio of recycled aluminium products. With this development, EGA’s total global recycling capacity now stands at 195,000 tonnes per year, combining operations in the US and Germany.

EGA is also constructing the UAE’s largest aluminium recycling plant at Al Taweelah. Set to produce 170,000 tonnes of billets annually, the facility is on track to begin operations in the first half of 2026, reinforcing EGA’s commitment to advancing sustainable aluminium production across its global network.

Addressing the global supply chain gap

Demand for recycled aluminium in the United States is projected to reach approximately 7.6 million tonnes annually by 2033, according to independent analysts at CRU. As the second largest market for recycled aluminium globally, the US plays a significant role in the transition toward more sustainable materials.

Aluminium recycling consumes up to 95% less electricity compared to primary production, resulting in dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions. To meet growing domestic demand, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) is advancing plans to establish the first new primary aluminium smelter in the US since 1980. The proposed facility, to be located in Oklahoma, is expected to produce 600,000 tonnes of aluminium per year, nearly doubling the country’s current output.

At present, around 85% of aluminium used by US industries such as automotive, aerospace and construction is imported. EGA’s planned investment aims to address this gap by strengthening domestic supply chains. In 2024, EGA also expanded its recycling footprint in the US with the acquisition of an 80% stake in EGA Spectro Alloys.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, chief executive officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said, “Reaching first hot metal at the expansion of EGA Spectro Alloys is another milestone in our drive to build a global aluminium recycling business to meet growing demand for this low carbon metal. It is also a milestone in EGA’s growth in the United States, already one of our most important markets and where we are progressing our plans to build a primary aluminium production plant in Oklahoma.”

You may be interested in:

EGA advances next-gen smelting with EX technology

How are manufacturers adopting GenAI?

How are UAE industries transforming through intelligent technologies?

The two companies will collaborate on AI-powere autonomous operations. (Image source: Borouge)

Abu Dhabi-based petrochemicals company Borouge is collaborating with Honeywell to conduct a proof of concept for AI-powered autonomous operations, which is  is set to deliver the petrochemical industry’s first AI-driven control room designed for full-scale, real-time operation

The initiative aims to deploy the proof-of-concept technologies to enhance Borouge’s operations across its Ruwais facilities in the UAE. Autonomous operations will enable Borouge to optimise production, reduce energy use, and enhance safety while reducing costs at what will be the single largest petrochemical site in the world. Both companies will leverage their expertise in process technology and autonomous control capabilities to identify new opportunities to deploy Agentic AI solutions and advanced machine learning algorithms.

The project is a key component of Borouge's companywide AIDT programme, which is projected to generate US$575mn in value this year. In 2024, Borouge’s portfolio of over 200 AIDT initiatives—spanning operations, health and safety, sales, sustainability, and product innovation—generated $573mn in value

New systems

Borouge has already installed the world’s largest Real-Time Optimisation (RTO) system across three large-scale ethane crackers and 20 furnaces. The initiative analyses over 2,500 parameters per minute, enabling instant data-driven decisions, significantly enhancing productivity, optimising energy consumption and reducing emissions. The unique system minimises ethane dumping and optimises resource use, in line with Borouge's commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Borouge has invested in its state-of-the-art Innovation Centre located in Abu Dhabi and is now using advanced AI-powered tools to accelerate innovation, enabling the company to bring new grades of advanced polymers to market quicker. In collaboration with ADNOC AI Lab, Borouge has completed its first “Polymer Optimisation” programme, achieving a 97% accuracy, enabling Borouge to reduce its development timeline from months to weeks.

Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, chief executive officer of Borouge, said, “Borouge's AI, Digitalisation, and Technology (AIDT) transformation programme is setting new standards in operations, innovation and business performance. By collaborating with global AI leaders such as Honeywell, we are accelerating growth, driving efficiency, and enhancing shareholder value. This project further strengthens Borouge’s competitive edge as we continue to deliver on our ambitious AIDT roadmap.”

George Bou Mitri, president of Honeywell Industrial Automation, Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Central Asia, said, “By integrating AI and automation technologies into core operations, we are helping unlock new levels of efficiency, safety, and performance. This agreement shows how advanced technologies, applied with purpose, can reshape industrial operations at scale.”

You may be also interested in reading:

EGA advances next-gen smelting with EX technology

How are manufacturers adopting GenAI?

How are UAE industries transforming through intelligent technologies?