Among of a range of online services that zoomed in to the rescue for city dwellers in the gulf region, food delivery apps played a crucial part, as they even doubled up as e-groceries. Talabat has garnered a considerable consumer base in the Arab world over the past few years, and has been known to accelerate eco-friendly consumption, considering the rising awareness about sustainability.

With 90% Emiratis expressing preference for restaurants that avoid using plastic packaging, Talabat has taken small but significant steps like switching from paper bags to biodegradable materials. Now, as part of a push in eight markets by its parent firm Delivery Hero, the food ordering platform has dished out 100% sustainable packaging for those who have an appetite for responsible consumption.

Designed to cut down carbon emissions and wastage in one go, the environment friendly material is completely plant-based. It doesn't contain components commonly described as 'forever chemicals', since they cannot be broken down by nature and continue to pollute the ecosystem.

As it ensures protection of the environment, Talabat also keeps consumers in mind, and hence tests the packaging for food safety. As part of a pilot project, the innovative material is being introduced for Talabat's clientele in UAE and Qatar.

Since plastic pollution remains a threat with 70% of the component ending up in landfills, Talabat has previously offered an alternative for customers to reject cutlery in their orders.

At a time when oceans are overrun with trash, innovators in the Middle East are coming up with sustainable materials and new ways for recycling. These initiatives include techniques to create food packaging by reprocessing leftovers, and technology that converts plastic into apparel.

E-waste management is also becoming a priority in the Middle East, where gadgets are quickly being replaced by new devices. In addition to one of the largest electronic trash management units, Emirati smart city Dubai also has a plant that generates energy from waste.