MVGX Tech, a subsidiary of Alpha Ladder Group and provider of sustainability solutions, and the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO), the global body representing 1,600 free zones and industrial parks, have signed an agreement to accelerate sustainability adoption worldwide.
Through this collaboration, free zones will gain access to internationally recognized sustainability frameworks, enabling them to implement robust sustainability management systems and attain the Sustainable Industrial Park (Free Zone) Certification, a key benchmark for green industrial park development.
Aligned with ISO 37101, the Management System for Sustainable Development in Communities, and PAS IP 8848, the framework for Sustainable Industrial Park management systems, this initiative underscores a commitment to fostering sustainable, future-ready industrial ecosystems.
The signing ceremony in Dubai signals a major push towards sustainable transformation, as free zones worldwide move to align with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and future-proof their operations.
Achieve global sustainability standards
As part of this partnership, MVGX and WFZO will champion the adoption of the Sustainable Industrial Park (Free Zone) Standard (PAS 8848:2024), encouraging WFZO members to integrate structured sustainability practices within their operations.
To facilitate this, MVGX will provide capacity-building programs, consulting services, and hands-on certification support, equipping free zones with the expertise needed to implement effective sustainability management systems.
The initiative will also help free zones secure dual certification in ISO 37101 (Sustainable Development in Communities) and PAS IP 8848 (Sustainable Industrial Park Free Zone Standard), reinforcing their commitment to globally recognized sustainability benchmarks.
Defining path to sustainability
Under this partnership, WFZO will take the lead in promoting the Sustainable Industrial Park (Free Zone) Standard across its global network, encouraging free zones to integrate sustainability into their operations. It will organize capacity-building events and workshops, providing knowledge and resources needed to participate in the certification process.
Additionally, WFZO will serve as the key liaison between MVGX and free zones, ensuring seamless communication and coordination.
MVGX, on the other hand, will drive the technical execution by developing specialized training programs, sustainability assessments, and improvement roadmaps. It will provide hands-on consulting, guiding teams through gap analyses, sustainability project implementation, and certification preparation. From documentation support to third-party certification reviews, MVGX will ensure free zones meet globally recognized sustainability standards.
Why sustainability matters
Free zones and industrial parks play a critical role in global trade, contributing to economic growth, industrial development, and cross-border commerce. However, as sustainability becomes a defining factor in investment decisions, supply chain partnerships, and regulatory compliance, free zones that do not embrace sustainability risk falling behind.
“This collaboration marks a significant step toward integrating carbon markets within free zones, enabling enterprises to actively participate in global carbon reduction efforts,” said Dr Samir Hamrouni, CEO of World Free Zones Organization.
“By establishing unified carbon credit standards and digital trading systems, we are fostering a more sustainable and economically resilient future for free trade zones worldwide.”
Photo credit: iStock/ Kanda Peeraoranan
