As demand for recycled PET (rPET) rises, the MEA region struggles to scale recycling due to contamination, infrastructure gaps, and economic barriers. However, policy support, industry collaboration, and innovation could enable a circular PET economy. Usha Benjamin, Sustainability Editor, Packaging MEA, explores the challenges and opportunities. As sustainability has become an immediate …
Sustainability at forefront as industry leaders discuss Innovation & Circular Economy in Packaging
At the recent Gulfood Manufacturing Food-Tech Summit, sustainability dominated discussions as packaging industry leaders gathered to explore innovative solutions that balance environmental responsibility with economic feasibility. Moderated by Ben Daniel, Chief Editor of Packaging MEA, the panel featured experts from packaging material producers, machine manufacturers, and converters. Together, they tackled pressing issues such as …
MENA: Forecast for the Packaging Industry in 2025
The packaging industry faced major challenges in 2024, from escalating material costs and stringent sustainability mandates to soaring energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and growing awareness of circular economy and sustainable packaging demands. Despite these difficulties, the sector demonstrated resilience through innovation and collaboration. However, the journey is far from over. In 2025, new …
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Al Shareef Pack expands operations with major investment in cutting-edge machinery
Amidst Riyadh’s bustling industrial landscape, Al Shareef Pack has solidified its reputation as a trusted leader in Packaging, Printing, and Converting. Founded in 1992 as a commercial press, the company has flourished under the visionary leadership of Mr. Abdullah Al-Shareef, accumulating over three decades of industry expertise. A Legacy of Growth and Innovation …
CPA celebrates inaugural year: Pioneering sustainable packaging in the Middle East
Founded on the groundwork laid by the Circle Coalition, CPA emerged in early 2023 with a mission to revolutionize the packaging value chain. Reflecting on their inaugural year, Sarma expressed pride in CPA’s theme for this year’s annual report, “Together Towards Tomorrow,” emphasizing its role in uniting diverse voices for sustainable packaging practices. …
Packaging Design: The silent force in global market and the power of packaging in the MEA market
In a busy marketplace, brands compete for our attention with many messages. Flashy ads, celebrity endorsements, and social media campaigns all fight for our limited focus. Yet, in this noisy environment, there’s a silent salesperson working hard on every shelf, in every store, around the world: packaging design. This article delves into the …
Insights into corrugated packaging trends in MENA
Corrugated packaging demand in the GCC and MENA region is on a steady rise, projecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4-6% through 2030. This growth is buoyed by a favourable business climate and robust industrial expansion in key economies like KSA and the UAE. Despite these opportunities, manufacturers face intensifying competition and …
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The disappointing truth about sustainability
There is no such thing as sustainable packaging, says Guillermo Dufranc. Rather, it is our actions, not our products, that can make a difference. It is unavoidable. The disappointment comes when they ask me: what is the most sustainable packaging? I’m not disappointed by the question, but I know my answer is going to be …
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Kongsberg PCS appoints David Preskett as VP for EMEA & APAC
Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS), a digital finishing solutions manufacturer has announced that David Preskett has joined the company as Vice President of its operations in the EMEA and APAC regions. Preskett joined the company in August and is responsible for the management of the commercial, service support and financial performance of the …
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Alpla expands activities in Angola
Alpla has been active in the national market for high-quality beverage packaging with an in-house production plant for customer and partner Refriango in the Luanda suburb of Viana since 2018. By opening a second plant, Alpla is highlighting its ambitions for the Angolan market. With success, because quality increases demand. And after Refriango was …