Plastivision Arabia 2016 reflects optimism of major industry players

As the Middle East region raises its downstream capabilities as part of its economic diversification policies, the region's plastics, molds, printing and packaging industries are spared by the adverse impact of the declining oil prices as well as other economic and political factors. This scenario is very much apparent in the active participation of leading industry players who graced the opening of a multi-industry trade event, Plastivision Arabia 2016, at Expo Centre Sharjah. Exhibitors of this event believe that demand from Middle East as well as Asian markets is not hit and this will prompt regional industry to continue to invest in advanced production & processing technology to achieve greater efficiency.

The 3rd Plastivision Arabia, 3rd Arabia Mold and 2nd Print Pack Arabia is a four-day event starting on February 22. The event was opened by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salim Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The opening ceremony was also attended by Mr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, senior executives of co-organisers All India Plastics Manufacturers Association, DEMAT and Indian Printing, Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers' Association, other dignitaries and industry representatives. The exhibition showcases the products and technologies from 250 exhibitors.

“There is a renewed focus on the downstream capabilities by regional governments. Besides, the UAE is the least impacted by oil slump because it is the most diversified among oil-exporting countries. The industry is also upbeat because demand for plastics and packaging products has not diminished. Hence, business owners and industrialists are keen to explore innovative technologies and maintain or establish business contacts with suppliers, even if business projects are not rolled out immediately,” said Mr. Midfa.

Experts also said that low oil prices will in fact prod the plastics and packaging industries to improve their efficiency and sustainability across all aspects of these industries and in the process keep their products, components and materials at their highest utility and value at all times. Even while the UAE’s GDP is expected to grow by nearly 3 percent in 2016, according to the median forecast by several research reports and consultancies, the manufacturing industry, including plastics processing, printing & packaging, is likely to expand at a rate greater than the GDP growth.

The main focus at ArabiaMold this year is 3D technology, where visitors have the opportunity to check out a full range of 3D printers and scanners from leading global manufacturers. Aimed at complementing Print Pack Arabia, the Arab Paper 2016 trade fair as well as a special section on Corrugation Machinery also made their debut.

Live demonstrations are a big attraction, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the latest technology and materials first hand. The past editions of the show had seen all the machines and equipment on display getting sold out even before the shows were over. Plastivision Arabia also features pavilions from Taiwan, India and China, besides special focus areas such as ‘Plastiworld - The Finished Goods Pavilion’ and ‘Filling & Packaging’ and a Job Fair. Other key highlights is the  ‘Investment in India Summit’ on February 23 and the ‘Technical Seminars’ on February 24.