Lamis Bin Harib Al Muhairi’s Journey to Transform the Disposable Industry

As the founder of the first Arab-owned business committed to bio-disposables, she is revolutionizing the way we use and design everything from sandwich wraps to tableware, utilizing renewable materials. Despite being a businesswoman, Lamis goes out of her way to ensure that the environmental standards of the UAE are raised to higher levels. Lamis’ got an insight to sustainable design while at Pratt Institute in New York where she wrote her thesis on Green design. This academic endeavour laid the foundation for what would become her life’s mission: it focuses on cultivating a culture of sustainability instead of being the rule rather than the exception. She did not restrict herself to mere theories of environmental conservation.

She went further to make practical changes by establishing NUMU, which is a non-profit organization whose main purpose is to persuade businesses to go green. The practical experience she gained at NUMU helped her when she decided to start her own business and create a company dealing in bio-disposables. The story of Lamis is the real-life story of girl power, courage, and determination in the face of daunting adversity. She had no investors to propel her into operation, no initial capital from a rich relative, and no government subsidies. She appreciated this form of freedom because it enabled her to remain loyal to her ideals with regard to sustainable products. Her business which currently sells a host of disposable products, practices green catering and provides consumers in the Arab world with eco-friendly alternatives has raised the bar. Lamis uses her achievement to demand better environmental status in UAE. She also knows that the execution of radical innovation does not only mean innovative products and services but changing the mind-set. By speaking to the public, launching educational programs, and working for NUMU, Lamis is on a mission to make sustainability a priority for both businesses and individuals in the future.

When Lamis asked about her proud moment was keen not to single out the moment but describe the process instead. Her response to the question stems from the fact that she had struggled to build her business from the ground up by herself, saying, ‘This,’ she said pointing at where she is today with her business, ‘I believe is my biggest achievement. ’ To her, clinching the award would be akin to affirmation that she has been hard at work painting the picture of what she refers to as the ‘Emirates Woman’– a woman who will go against the norm for a superior purpose.

 Lamis’ story is not just the story of having a very profitable venture, but it is the story of having a very successful role model. For that reason, she demonstrated her commitment to sustainability, the rate at which she battled through every hurdle and her unwavering commitment to the improvement of the standards of the environment makes her a good role model for young aspiring businessmen and women. UN Environment: As she goes further in her career and the fight for a greener future, Lamis is not only making waves but is sparking change that will surely last.