Packaging spurs plastics consumption in GCC

PLASTICS consumption in the GCC has increased dramatically from 19kg per capita in 2000 to 39kg per capita in 2010 and should reach the kind of levels seen in developed markets by 2020. Packaging has been identified as the fastest growing segment, followed by construction and wire and cable.

The Saudi Arabian market accounts for up to 70% of the total $2bn packaging market in the GCC, Zaheeruddin Ahmed, director of Manufacturing at the Saudi Plastic Factory. He also shared his expert views on how to improve efficiency and profitability in plastic manufacturing along with how to implement lean manufacturing concepts at the recent Plastic Packaging Saudi Arabia Summit 2011 at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel.

Other expert speakers at the event organised by IQPC included senior representatives from Saudi Food and Drug Authority, NAPCO Modern Plastic Products, Manama Packaging, The Savola Group, and The National Petrochemical Industrial Co.