RA International has entered into a distribution agreement with Swedish company Gaia Biomaterials to bring Biodolomer®, an innovative compostable material developed and manufactured in Sweden, to markets across the GCC.
This partnership represents RA International’s first step into the sustainable packaging industry, prompted by pressing environmental concerns. The GCC is one of the world’s highest consumers of single-use plastics, with the UAE pledging to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2030 and Saudi Arabia aiming for 82% diversion under Vision 2030 by 2035.
“The region is demanding solutions, and we see Biodolomer as a game-changer,” said Soraya Narfeldt, Founder and CEO of RA International. “Over the past six months, we have engaged with governments, manufacturers, and end users, and the feedback is clear: compostable alternatives are urgently needed. With Gaia, we can now deliver a proven material that works across multiple applications.”
Biodolomer® is a limestone-based material that is certified compostable in both the EU and USA and contains no PFAS or added chemicals. Unlike conventional plastics, it does not result in microplastics. Instead, once composted, it creates a calcium-rich residue beneficial for soil enrichment and landscaping.
RA International will initially concentrate on high-demand applications such as shopping bags, takeaway food packaging, and single-use cutlery. The rollout will begin with manufacturers and large-scale customers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, with expansion to the rest of the GCC to follow.
Peter Stenström, CEO of Gaia Biomaterials, commented: “We have had interest from the GCC for years, but RA International’s approach has been unique. Their market research, strong regional presence, and commitment to sustainability made them the ideal partner to lead this entry.”
The agreement became effective on 1 September 2025, with the first deliveries to customers scheduled for Q1 2026. RA International will establish a dedicated business division to manage the implementation and provide support to organisations making the shift towards sustainable packaging.