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GMA Garnet Case Studies English Global SustainabilityMcDermott Diverts 32,000 Tons of Waste from Landfills in the Middle East
Overview
Project
Global entity McDermott has been recognized as the first company to achieve Platinum Membership in GMA Middle East’s Garnet Rewards Program. This achievement highlights McDermott’s dedication to sustainability through the return and recycling of used garnet, setting an industry standard for environmental responsibility in abrasive blasting.
Location
Middle East
Volume of Garnet Recycled:
Approximately 32,000 tonnes over the last 12 years since inception.
Cost Saving:
Approximately AED 8 million (USD 2.18 million).
Challenge
In the abrasive blasting industry, spent garnet is often disposed of in landfills, which can not only result in high disposal costs but also impact the environment. Companies are increasingly looking for sustainable, cost-effective solutions to mitigate waste. McDermott, a leader in the delivery of energy infrastructure solutions, sought to address these concerns and align its fabrication paint blasting operations with environmental goals.
Solution
To support McDermott's sustainability objectives, the company joined the GMA Garnet™ Rewards Program in the Middle East operations. This program incentivizes the return of used garnet for reprocessing rather than landfill disposal. Through their participation, McDermott minimized its environmental footprint, reduced waste disposal costs, and contributed to a circular economy where valuable resources are reused. McDermott’s engagement in the program led to the recycling of approximately 32,000 tonnes of garnet, underscoring the tangible impact of sustainable initiatives in large-scale industrial settings.
“McDermott’s leadership in garnet recycling sets a benchmark for environmental stewardship in the industry. Their return of used garnet over the past decade has contributed significantly to reducing landfill waste, and we are proud to recognize their role in advancing sustainability in the region. We look forward to continuing our partnership and exploring new ways to innovate together.”
Grant Cox
CEO GMA Garnet Group
Total project cost savings
By recycling 32,000 tonnes of used garnet, McDermott saved substantially in disposal costs. With an average landfill disposal cost in Dubai, UAE of AED 250 per tonne, this initiative resulted in savings of approximately AED 8 million.
32,000
Tonnes
$8M
Savings
Using GMA GarnetTM Rewards Program
Overall Savings
McDermott’s recycling initiative has yielded significant environmental and financial benefits. Over 12 years, approximately 32,000 tonnes of garnet have been recycled, which would otherwise have been directed to landfill. At current disposal rates of AED 250 per tonne, this translates to a potential savings of up to AED 8 million (USD 2.18 million).
Furthermore, recycling 32,000 tonnes has saved nearly 14,000 cubic meters of landfill space. In the 2023 year alone, McDermott recycled approximately 5,000 tonnes, resulting in a savings of AED 1.25 million (USD 340,600) and preserving 2,150 cubic meters of landfill space.
Disclaimer: These savings are calculated based on current waste disposal rates and recycling volumes. Actual results may vary based on rate fluctuations and recycling amounts.
“Recycling garnet is a powerful example of how we can extend the life of materials, reduce waste, and lessen our environmental impact. We view initiatives like this as essential in transitioning to more sustainable engineering, procurement, construction, and installation practices.”
Sadaf Hameed
McDermott’s Manager of Sustainability.
Summary
Through the GMA Garnet™ Rewards Program, McDermott has effectively demonstrated how recycling can be integrated into fabrication operations, yielding environmental and economic benefits. This Platinum Membership not only highlights McDermott’s leadership in sustainability but also strengthens GMA’s commitment to fostering greener practices across the Middle East and beyond.