UAE-based signage and printing solutions distributor Blue Rhine has entered into a strategic partnership with Kavalan to accelerate the adoption of sustainable, PVC-free materials in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
The collaboration aims to support the large-format printing industry’s transition towards more environmentally responsible practices, as sustainability increasingly becomes a market requirement rather than a niche trend. Blue Rhine, which has operated in the region for over 30 years, supplies signage, advertising and LED solutions to sectors including advertising, interior design, exhibitions, construction and fabrication.
As part of the partnership, Blue Rhine was awarded the inaugural Kavalan Green Spirit Award for its sustainability-led project at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, a major international golf tournament held at Emirates Golf Club.
Speaking on the FuturePrint Podcast, Rizin Kabeer, product management leader at Blue Rhine, said that while interest in sustainable materials is growing across the GCC, adoption has been slowed by concerns over cost and performance, particularly due to the region’s extreme climate conditions.
“To address these concerns, we focus on education and long-term support rather than just product supply,” Kabeer said, adding that clients need guidance to understand both the technical performance and environmental benefits of sustainable materials.
Kavalan’s PVC-free portfolio, designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, includes lightweight materials with water-based coatings that reduce harmful emissions. Blue Rhine also uses Kavalan’s Eco Calculator to quantify environmental savings such as reduced water use and lower toxicity, helping customers measure the impact of their material choices.
The partnership was showcased at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which implemented multiple sustainability measures, including solar-powered energy use, electric vehicles and zero single-use plastics. For the event’s signage and branding, Blue Rhine used Kavalan’s Sunlight 280GB PVC-free material to align printed assets with the event’s environmental goals.
Industry experts say such collaborations reflect a broader regional shift towards long-term sustainability, with environmental responsibility increasingly influencing procurement decisions across the GCC’s advertising and printing sectors
