The sustainability zone at Paperworld Middle East features cutting-edge eco-friendly products from both domestic and international firms, shining a spotlight on metaverse innovation

Exhibitors at two regional fairs in the Middle East and Africa that specialise in paper, stationery, office supplies, gifts, accents, and lifestyle goods have made a concerted effort to showcase environmentally friendly options this year.

Metaverse and its potential effects on the UAE's educational system were the main topics of discussion at the second day of The Hub Forum. Ritesh Dhanak, GEMS Modern Academy's Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, discussed the school's recent introduction of a magazine in the metaverse, stressing the impact it is already having on student participation, as part of a panel discussion.

Dhanak remarked, "The Web 3.0 will enable us independence and ownership, and if we look at teachers and learners, this opens up so many potential." As an example, "in theory, we could have kids carry their learning history on a wallet of sorts, and anytime they go to a new school, it is an easy tap to transfer all their history to a new teacher, who can download the data" (all within a secure network).

Luxor, a regular participant, is presenting the latest in its line of environmentally friendly writing implements. They are also the only company in the world to manufacture writing instruments that has been certified to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), which monitors a company's whole production cycle from raw material procurement to finished product packaging.

Senior Vice President of Luxor Vivek Chaturvedi: "With everyone talking about sustainability and the globe moving that route, we are pleased to be part of the cause." While the ink, the tip, and the reservoir are not recyclable, the rest of the device, including the plastic barrel, is biodegradable and reusable.

One of India's most reputable pen and pencil manufacturers, Linc Limited, is back at the show this year. The corporation, founded in 1976, is credited with now generating 2.5 million writing tools everyday. As demand for pastel collection pens has increased across the MENA region, Linc Limited is bringing them to the 11th edition of Paperworld Middle East.

When it comes to eco-friendly, reusable bags, go no farther than Earthbags, an Indian firm that has been in business for 28 years and is the only IGBC gold-certified green factory in the country. This year, Earthbags is bringing its new line to Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East. It has produced an extensive selection of colourful bags, experimenting with a wide variety of colours and prints for use as promotional, packaging, gift, and beach bags. "Dubai is going actively into plastic-free programmes," said Anurag Himatsingka, Managing Director at Earthbags. "This tells us a lot of upcoming demand for sustainable bags like our earthbags." We are eager to enter the UAE market with our eco-friendly ethos in tow.

To celebrate the 11th edition of Paperworld Middle East, Letts of London, the company that invented the commercial diary in 1812, has brought their Conscious Collection to the show. Keeping originality at its heart, the company's goal is to assist their consumers organise their days while also protecting the environment by producing more eco-friendly collections out of recycled materials.

All of the items in the Conscious Collection may be recycled, including the planners, diaries, weekly planners, and to-do lists. Vegan-friendly soy ink is utilised inside the planners and diaries, and the covers are created from recycled PET bottles. The fact that the planners may be taken apart and reused makes them a true "product for life."

This year, for the first first time, Save the Planet will be exhibiting a line of plantable stationery. During its first two years of operation, the United Arab Emirates-based startup has spent developing its line of plantable stationery (including pens and pencils) created from recycled paper. The company's motto is "Use and Grow," and to promote this idea, it incorporates plant seeds into all of its disposable components so that customers can grow their own food. Tomato seeds, basil seeds, and coriander seeds are just a few examples.

"This is our first time at Paperworld Middle East, and we've seen great traction at the stand within the first two days with leads from across the Emirates, as well as neighbouring markets like Kuwait, Iran, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia," said Viksit Khanna, Director, Save The Planet. Despite only having been in business for slightly over two years, "the show has proven to be an excellent platform for networking and creating further awareness of the products and the brand as a whole."