The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has recently held the closing event forthe MED TEST III project in Lebanon showcasing achievements in promoting resource-efficient practiceswithin Lebanese industries. The project, launched in 2019, aimed to address resource challenges andpromote a circular economy perspective relevant to the situation of industries in Lebanon. MED TEST III wasimplemented under the leadership of UNIDO in partnership with the Lebanese Ministry of Industry (MoI) andMinistry of Environment (MoE) with the collaboration of the Association of the Lebanese Industrialists (ALI) aswell as the Association of North Metn Industrialists.  In details, MED TEST III has targeted vital sectors for the Lebanese economy (Food & Beverages and Chemicals  sectors for example) as well as complementing sectors (Plastic and Printing sectors). The project identified  and implemented resource efficiency measures ranging from water & energy savings to material efficiency.  These measures hold the potential of greatly reducing the environmental impact of production as well as  yielding economic benefits such as annual savings in production costs of circa US$ 3.7 million.However, according to the Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Lebanon, the intendedobjectives can only be achieved through implementing economic reforms and the proper enforcement ofexisting legislations by the government and local authorities.  It is worth noting that MED TEST III has also introduced a solution to the dairy sector through the whey  valorization initiative resulting in the development of three new whey-based products. These products  offer cost-effective alternatives for Lebanese dairy companies fostering sustainability in the industry and  stimulating market innovation and competitiveness. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Bank Audi, Lebanon Weekly Monitor, 11 - 17 Mar 2024