Elite Paper Recycling (EPR), Qatar’s pioneering paper recycling company, has launched the first-of-its-kind state-of-the-art “Eco Dome” edutainment facility in its premises, marking another milestone in its efforts to raise awareness on climate change and the importance of paper recycling.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, the Eco Dome, which witnessed a spectacular inauguration on Monday, depicts contrasting images of forested and deforested environment in a compelling way, and features a three-minute virtual reality 2D video experience.
“It is truly my pleasure to witness the opening of the Eco Dome, which Elite Paper Recycling has established. Such initiatives should increase awareness on the importance of maintaining a sustainable and healthy environment, and preventing desertification, for us and for the safety of the future generations,” said Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim.
He thanked EPR “for its outstanding efforts in the field of preserving the environment and raising awareness on the best practices to achieve this.”
He stressed that as part of Qatar National Vision 2030, “Qatar is seeking to achieve balance and synergy between economic and social development, and preserving the environment.”
The Eco Dome is one in the series of campaigns EPR has launched and forms a key aspect of its strategy to promote “Go Green”, “ Recycling” and “Sustainability” initiatives in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Officially launching the Eco Dome, Abdulla Ibrahim Al Suwaidi, Chairman of EPR, said the Eco Dome was a “dream come true” project - a mega edutainment public awareness tool for schools and the public “to introduce them on climate change and how we can fight and stop it through recycling paper.”
Al Suwaidi recalled how as a young entrepreneur he had dreamt of innovating and envisioned a sustainable business model for Qatar which has now come true through EPR, Qatar’s first paper recycling company.
“We have over 100 Trucks circulating all over Qatar with over 2,000 Dumpsters deployed and collecting over 3,500 tonnes of waste paper (a month). EPR collects free of charge from homes, government, companies, NGOs, embassies, schools and universities. Today we have over 250 schools and universities partnering with us,” he said.
He said that EPR is entirely self-sufficient producing 100 percent made in Qatar recycled paper, but “what makes EPR very unique is its pioneer programs on public awareness for climate change fight and how recycling is one of its major solutions.”
Maryam S Al Sayed, Public Relations Director, said “the Eco Dome is ready for school visits to have the full experience of this edutainment project along with a factory tour to see the paper recycling process, and we are also looking into public visits to spread the awareness for the community.”
H E Lolwah Rashid Al Khater, Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was among the officials who were present at the inauguration which was attended by ambassadors and embassy representatives, among others.
The partners and sponsors of the project included Ooredoo (Platinum/Official Telecom Sponsor), Qatar Post and Aamal (Gold Sponsors) and FMM, Talabat, and Al Waad Packaging & Manufacturing Company (Silver Sponsors). Ministry of Education, Ashghal, and Jaidah Group -Isuzu were among other partners.