The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is not only a roadmap for economic diversification but also a call to action for industries to embrace innovation, sustainability, and localization.
At a recent high-profile event in Riyadh, three leading companies in the packaging-print sector – NDIGITEC, BOBST, and ESKO – unveiled their strategies for driving growth and aligning with the burgeoning nation’s growth and goals.
Ben Daniel, Chief Editor of Packaging Middle East and Africa, hosted an engaging discussion with Vatche Kavlakian (CEO, NDIGITEC), Mustafa Salur (General Manager, TMEA & CIS, ESKO), and Mohamed Ali Ben Mustapha (General Manager and Service Director, BOBST Africa and Middle East). Their insights shed light on the evolving packaging landscape and the integral role of Saudi Vision 2030.
NDIGITEC: Pioneering Technology for Tomorrow
Vatche Kavlakian of NDIGITEC emphasized the transformative potential of Saudi Vision 2030 for the packaging industry. “Saudi Vision 2030 provides a unique platform to innovate, excel, and grow within one of the world’s most dynamic ecosystems,” he noted.
NDIGITEC’s contributions are anchored in cutting-edge technology, such as the AIHI workflow platform, which integrates over 20 years of expertise with advanced automation capabilities.
“Through AIHI-powered automation, we are eliminating inefficiencies and enhancing sustainability in packaging production,” Kavlakian explained.
By leveraging eco-friendly materials and streamlining processes, NDIGITEC’s tailored solutions serve diverse industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce. The company’s commitment to sustainability aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting green practices.
BOBST: Shaping the Future of Packaging Production
Patrick Graber, Marketing Director NMW at BOBST, highlighted the company’s dedication to digitalization and sustainability. “BOBST is shaping the future of packaging production with digitalized and automated workflows, enabling stakeholders to collaborate flexibly and efficiently,” he stated. BOBST’s advanced technologies, such as BOBST Connect, provide closed-loop workflows that enhance productivity and minimize waste.
Mohamed Ali Ben Mustapha further elaborated on BOBST’s alignment with Vision 2030: “We are adapting our solutions to the Kingdom’s goals in terms of connectivity, digitalization, and sustainability. Saudi Arabia is among the largest markets in the region, and we are committed to supporting its growth.”
By promoting localization, fostering innovation, and adopting eco-friendly materials, BOBST aims to position itself as a key enabler of Saudi Arabia’s packaging evolution. The company’s machines for labels, flexibles, folding cartons, and corrugation are designed to meet the highest standards of automation and efficiency.
ESKO: Driving Efficiency and Innovation
Mustafa Salur of ESKO underscored the company’s pivotal role in the packaging industry. “Packaging for 9 out of 10 leading consumer brands is produced by our customers, reflecting our commitment to quality and innovation,” he shared. ESKO’s advanced prepress software and flexo plate-making solutions are tailored to address challenges such as shorter print runs, multiple substrates, and waste reduction.
“Navigating the challenges of shorter print runs, multiple substrates, and reducing waste is crucial for aligning with Vision 2030 goals,” Salur emphasized.
ESKO’s innovations, such as Extended Color Gamut (ECG) printing technology, are designed to replace spot colors, enhancing efficiency and consistency. Additionally, the company is preparing for future trends, including the adoption of 2D barcodes and personalized packaging.
Saudi Vision 2030: A Catalyst for Growth
The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 has positioned packaging as a critical enabler for sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce. With the Saudi packaging market valued at $12.2 billion and projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2025 to 2030, opportunities abound for technological advancement, local job creation, and foreign investment.
Graber highlighted the evolving role of packaging: “Packaging moves from simply protecting and informing to engaging and driving purchasing decisions.” This shift underscores the importance of integrating smart and flexible packaging solutions to meet consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.
Sustainability: A Shared Priority
All three companies emphasized their commitment to sustainability as a cornerstone of their strategies. NDIGITEC’s eco-friendly materials and automated processes are designed to minimize waste and enhance energy efficiency. Similarly, BOBST’s energy-efficient machines and use of sustainable materials align with Vision 2030’s green objectives.
ESKO’s solutions are tailored to help customers achieve sustainability targets. “By 2027, retailers will need POS systems capable of reading both traditional and 2D barcodes, reflecting the transformation in packaging technology,” Salur noted. The company’s focus on reducing errors, improving productivity, and enhancing profitability supports a sustainable future for the industry.
Market Trends and Technological Advancements
The Saudi packaging industry is witnessing a surge in demand for flexible and smart packaging, QR codes, and traceability. Digital print for packaging and automation are becoming essential to meet the objectives of Vision 2030. Companies like NDIGITEC, BOBST, and ESKO are at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging innovative technologies to drive efficiency and reduce environmental impact. This trend is visibly seen in all the 4 predominant sectors including Labels, Flexibels,
Key innovations include BOBST’s automated workflows, NDIGITEC’s AIHI platform, and ESKO’s ECG printing technology. These advancements not only address current challenges but also prepare the industry for future growth.
Industry Leaders’ Messages to the Sector
Each leader shared a message for the packaging industry in Saudi Arabia:
- Vatche Kavlakian (NDIGITEC): “The most important message is that we have to digitalize the businesses. The only way to meet high demand and quality standards is through automation, digitalization, and standardization. Those who fail to adapt will be left behind.”
- Mustafa Salur (ESKO): “Productivity is everything in the long run. With ESKO products and solutions, we are committed to delivering growth, reducing errors, and supporting our customers on their digital journey.”
- Mohamed Ali Ben Mustapha (BOBST): “The future lies in digitalization, automation, and connectivity. We invite our customers and partners to explore BOBST’s novelties to achieve profitability and sustainability.”
As Saudi Arabia advances towards its Vision 2030 goals, the packaging industry stands as a vital contributor to economic diversification and innovation. The collaborative efforts of NDIGITEC, BOBST, and ESKO underscore the importance of technology, sustainability, and localization in shaping the future. By embracing automation, digitalization, and eco-friendly practices, the Kingdom’s packaging sector is well-positioned to thrive in a dynamic and competitive global landscape.