Environmental sustainability drives trends at Propak Africa 2016

PROPAK Africa 2016, Africa’s largest packaging, food processing, printing, plastics, and labeling trade exhibition, will highlight leading trends and innovations in the packaging industries in South Africa and the entire African market. The trade event, which will run from 15-18 March at the Expo Centre, Nasrec in Johannesburg, will gather together local and international exhibitors, which will showcase their latest products, equipment, machinery, and services.

Innovations, in particular in the area of environmentally sustainable products and practices, will take the center stage at the 2016 show edition. Propak Africa will reflect the continuous efforts of South African packaging manufacturers to shift to environmentally friendly products and invest in recycling processes. 

A shot from ProPak Africa 2013 which was attended by 13,000 customers

According to event director Joshua Low, “Innovations on show will include the latest packaging materials that meet the new regulation standards that have placed further responsibility on manufacturers to ensure packaging has a limited negative effect on the environment; new technologies coming out of the local plastics industry such as the growth in biodegradable plastic packaging which is being fueled by consumer demand for more environmentally sustainable products; and, the processed-food sector’s answer to the general trend towards convenience and indulgence, driven by an increased consumer demand for processed foods.”

“The negative environmental impact of waste is increasing and it is imperative that there is growing support and recognition of waste management. Encouraging waste reduction by embracing reduce, re-use and recycling initiatives is a message going out across all levels of society, with awareness and education campaigns playing an important role. Propak Africa will also play its part in bringing greater awareness to these important initiatives,” Mr Law stated.

Many of South Africa's major companies are expected to participate in the four-day trade exhibition. Leading international manufacturers from different countries such as India, China, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, France, Turkey, Greece, the UAE and the United Kingdom will also join.

Major companies that will display their latest releases include Acepak, Afripack, Afritrade, Bernd Triebiger Enterprises, Bidvest Afcom, Bosch Packaging Technology, Filmatic, Filtec Automation, and Future Packaging. Golden Era Group, Graphix Supply World, Hestico, HG Molenaar, Inoxpa South Africa, JPak, MGSA, Multivac Southern Africa, Nissei ASB, Pakmatic, Pakmax, PMD Packaging, Polyoak, and Pyrotechnical Marketing will likewise present their products and technologies. Visitors can also expect to see product exhibits from Qualitechs, Rotocon, Trempack Trading, Relloy SA Ulma Packaging Systems SA, USS Pactech, and Yaskawa SA.

Buyers will be able to get valuable insight into market trends and developments with the state-of-the-art equipment and broad range of machinery, auxiliary products, and services that will be presented during the show.

The Institute of Packaging of Southern Africa (IPSA), Plastics SA and Printing SA (PIFSA) will also organize conferences and workshops to help buyers and other delegates learn more about the packaging and related industries in the region. Pavlo Phitidis, owner of business incubator company Aurik and regular co-host on The 702 Money show, will run sessions aimed at c-suite executives.  These sessions will cover such topics as growing one's business from an SMME to a medium or large organization, doing business in Africa, and legislative requirements such as the BEE.

The IPSA Propak Africa Packaging Conference, which is scheduled for March 17, hopes to encourage knowledge sharing across the African packaging industry toward stimulating and motivating developments, with emphasis on a comprehensive packaging-based agenda. Besides insight sharing, the conference will allow participants to establish networking opportunities across various industries.

The conference, which will be managed by VDS Media on behalf of IPSA, will allow industry experts to share valuable insights about the African packaging value chain. The sessions will enable delegates to gain a deeper understanding of how brand owners, retailers, converters, and suppliers all work together toward a dynamic and innovative solution-based approach to meet market requirements and expand the industry further. 

There will also be various specialized workshops to be hosted by IPSA for the IPSA Advanced Packaging Program. The sessions will cover Packaging Supply Chain Management, Packaging Quality Control, Corrugated and Paper Board Packaging, Plastic Packaging – Rigid and Flexibles, Packaging and the Environment – the Law & The Facts, and an Overview of Statutory Requirements regarding Food Packaging. Leading specialists in the different fields will facilitate the workshops, which are designed as interactive knowledge-enhancing sessions.

PIFSA will also organize several training courses. In conjunction with Sentient Publishing, PIFSA will also host a high-level conference for senior decision makers in the printing industry.

Plastics SA will also host a conference alongside Propak Africa.

Gary Corin, managing director of show organizer Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery acknowledges the various efforts to organize conferences during the show.

“We are delighted that industry conferences and workshops will be taking place alongside Propak Africa and that IPSA, Printing SA (PIFSA) and Plastics SA are lending their support and recognition to this exhibition. It adds tremendous value for visitors and exhibitors. These organizations are to be commended for their efforts in maintaining and promoting the advancement of the high standards prevalent in the South African packaging and related industries today.”

Mr. Low has only positive outlook for the international trade show.

“We’ve had an overwhelming response from companies and 80% of available exhibition space has been sold. We are confident that the show will be a sell-out. We are expecting high visitor attendance at the 2016 show and believe that it will be a successful and enjoyable event for all participants,” Mr Low said.