A new schools initiative in Dubai is aiming to turn polystyrene waste into fuel while encouraging students to lead sustainability efforts on campus.
Styrex, developed by Fuelre4m, has launched its “Foam to Fuel” programme in the emirate. The first workshop was held in February at Dubai British School, bringing together around 60 students aged seven to 16.
School participation
Students from Dubai British School were joined by representatives from several other schools, including Rushmore American School, JESS Dubai, DESS, American Academy for Girls, Greenfield International School, DBS Mira, DBS Jumeirah and DBS Jumeirah Park.
The two-hour session introduced students to the environmental impact of polystyrene waste and explained how expanded polystyrene, commonly used in packaging and food containers, can be reformed into a dense solid fuel.
The workshop included a live demonstration of the technology, group activities and a question-and-answer session. Students also made pledges to support collection drives and awareness campaigns at their schools. They will now take on ambassador roles to lead these efforts.
Technology process
Polystyrene is one of the most challenging waste streams due to its lightweight but bulky nature. It takes up significant landfill space and is rarely recycled because of logistical and cost barriers.
Styrex collects expanded polystyrene waste and reforms it using proprietary nanotechnology. The process reduces its volume and converts it into a stable fuel. The programme presents polystyrene as a resource that can be recovered and reused, rather than discarded.
Nichola Fisher, Head of STEAM & Sustainability at Dubai British School, said. “Foam to Fuel empowers students to see that science can drive real-world change. It’s sustainability in action. Programmes like this give our students a tangible understanding of circular thinking and their role within it.”
Enaya Alavi, a student participant, said. “Foam to Fuel showed me that small actions, like collecting foam, can have a global impact. It made me realise that even students can help solve big environmental problems.”
Rob Mortimer, Managing Director of Fuelre4m, said. “If we are serious about system change, it starts with education. The next generation will inherit both the problem and the solution. Styrex shows students that waste is not the end of a story, it can be the beginning of a new energy cycle. This programme is about more than recycling. It is about redefining value.”
Wider rollout
The Dubai British School workshop marks the start of a wider rollout across schools in Dubai. Additional sessions are planned, with long-term student ambassador roles being introduced to maintain engagement.
The initiative brings practical climate technology into classrooms and encourages students to take part in circular economy solutions through regular collection and awareness campaigns.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
