The world’s premier trade fair for packaging and printing technologies, Drupa 2024, concluded on June 7, 2024, in Düsseldorf, leaving the global packaging and printing industry abuzz with excitement. Spanning eleven days, the event featured 1,537 exhibitors from 49 countries across 140,000 m² and 18 show halls, highlighting groundbreaking technologies and forward-thinking solutions. The exhibition served as a crucial platform for industry professionals to exchange knowledge, network, and witness the latest innovations shaping the future of print.
Innovations Galore
Drupa 2024 spotlighted a diverse range of technological advancements. Digital printing for packaging and developments in flexible, carton, and corrugated packaging technologies were prominently featured. Among the noteworthy exhibitors were Bobst, Canon, Fujifilm, and HP, each unveiling significant innovations.
Bobst introduced the DIGITAL MASTER 55, an all-in-one digital printing and converting platform for the folding carton industry, and enhanced its ACCUCHECK system for narrow-mid-web solutions, focusing on productivity and automation. Additionally, Bobst’s MASTERCUT 165 PER demonstrated efficiency in handling corrugated board and folding cartons, while their extended color gamut technology (oneECG) for gravure printing received validation from Pantone.
Reifenhäuser Blown Film achieved a milestone with the world’s first 18-micrometer-thick machine direction oriented polyethylene (MDO-PE) film, showcasing remarkable mechanical properties and processing ease, developed in collaboration with LG Chem and Bobst.
Heidelberg showcased its new inkjet portfolio, including the Jetfire family, and introduced the Prinect Touch Free software, an AI-driven hybrid workflow. Notably, Heidelberg’s participation saw the signing of more than 40 printing units of the XL106, reflecting strong regional demand. Zeid Al-Jehni, CEO of Heidelberg Middle East, FZCO, remarked, “The visit of His Excellency Bandar Alkhorayef, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, was a significant endorsement of our efforts in the region.”
Konica Minolta highlighted innovations like the AccurioJet 60000 and the AccurioPress C84hc, emphasizing AI-driven Programmatic Printing solutions. The company focused on integrating production processes to offer significant savings in space, power consumption, and staff costs.
Koenig & Bauer introduced the MetJET ONE, a digital printing press for metal decorating, integrating inkjet technology from Durst. The company also presented the Green Dot Award, recognizing industry managers for contributions to sustainability, with Richard Lim, COO of the Hung Hing Printing Group, among the awardees.
Landa Digital Printing launched the S11 and S11P Nanographic Printing® Presses, designed to enhance production versatility with a print speed of 11,200 sheets per hour, boosting print economics and productivity.
Epson unveiled the new SureColor SC-F11000 and SC-F11000H industrial dye-sublimation printers, catering to the demands of textile manufacturers with high productivity and quality.
All4Labels announced a multi-unit multi-year press deal with HP, enhancing its portfolio with global, digital, sustainable, and just-in-time product offerings.
Middle East Presence
The Middle East had a robust presence at drupa, with visitor numbers surpassing expectations. Dubai Production City highlighted the importance of collective leadership and strategic initiatives in driving sustainable growth. Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Production City, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Studio City at TECOM Group PJSC, emphasized, “The transformation must be led collectively from all corners of the industry.” It was also encouraging to see many companies from the Middle East region, such as Al Baraka Paper Converting, Al Husein International, Al Burhan Manufacturing and Trading Co., and Hamta International Group.
Touchpoint Packaging: The Future of Consumer Engagement
A key highlight at Drupa 2024 was Touchpoint Packaging, a special forum dedicated to the future of packaging. “Touchpoint Packaging is all about showcasing innovations within the packaging industry,” Claudia Josephs, General Manager of the European Brand & Packaging Design Association (EPDA) explained. This forum explored innovative packaging solutions that enhance consumer engagement and sustainability. Featuring interactive sessions and exhibits, Touchpoint Packaging provided insights into how smart packaging, augmented reality, and eco-friendly materials can revolutionize the packaging industry. Experts discussed trends such as personalized packaging, intelligent labels, and the integration of digital technologies to create immersive consumer experiences.
Strategic Partnerships and Sustainability
Several companies announced strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing sustainability and digitalization. Heidelberg and Canon revealed a global sales and service cooperation in inkjet printing, aiming to support the transition to hybrid offset/digital production.
Asahi Photoproducts introduced the AFP-R plate, designed to reduce solvent use in the printing process by 30%. “We developed the AFP-R plate with a reduced solvent formula, and it has already earned an FDA sustainability award,” said Dieter Niederstadt, Technical Marketing Manager at Asahi Photoproducts.
Authentication and Security
The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA) unveiled its Middle East and Africa (MEA) Chapter at drupa, marking a strategic move to bolster global efforts against counterfeit goods. ASPA aims to collaborate with regional stakeholders to advance authentication and traceability solutions, ensuring consumer safety and economic stability.
Future Prospects
The latter half of drupa 2024 promises even more groundbreaking announcements and innovations, from prepress to printing, converting, embellishment, sustainability, and recycling. These developments will empower industry professionals to boost production capacities and meet escalating demands.
As the authoritative voice of the packaging industry in the Middle East and Africa, Packaging MEA continues to deliver extensive coverage from drupa 2024. Stay tuned for comprehensive reports on the latest deals, collaborations, and innovations that define the future of the packaging-print industry.