The packaging industry in South Africa, which is valued at about R43-billion, is a significant employer, contributing about 1.5% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The importance of this industry will be highlighted at this year’s Propak Cape exhibition, which will take place in Cape Town from October 21 to 23, at the Cape Town International Conference Centre.

“Propak Cape is an influential packaging industry show in the Western Cape. The 2014 edition promises to be the biggest yet, with visitor numbers expected to increase by about 12% from the 5 727 visitors who attended the previous event in 2011,” says Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery MD Gary Corin.

Plastic packaging contributes about R20-billion a year and paper packaging R12-billion a year to South Africa’s GDP, with the balance made up by glass and metal packaging.

The South African plastics industry is registering the largest growth in packaging, with 55% of all polymers converted in the country produced for the packaging industry.

The latest developments and new technologies of the local plastics industry will be showcased at Propak Cape, including biodegradable plastic packaging, which is registering unprecedented growth and fuelled by consumer demand for more environmentally sustainable products.

Corin notes that a wide range of the latest equipment, machinery, products and services from leading local and international manufacturers and suppliers will also be showcased, which will bring buyers and sellers in these market sectors together.

He adds that more than 150 companies will exhibit at this year’s event and, as a result of the increase in the numbers of visitors and exhibitors, a second hall has been allocated for the first time since the event was first held in 2008.

The expected increase in visitor and exhibitor numbers is as a result of additional interest that will be generated through co-located shows such as FoodPro Expo, Pro-Plas Expo, Print Expo and Pro-Label Cape.

Further, Corin highlights that a significant growth in the processed-food sector, owing to increased consumer demand for processed foods, resulted in growth in other relevant industries, including the local food and beverage packaging sector.

“There is so much involved in the processed food industry, which includes chilled processed foods, canned and preserved food, dairy packaging, sauces, dressings and condiments. Visitors will see the latest technologies and innovations that this industry offers,” he says.

Visitors will gain insight into key trends and developments that are driving packaging generally, and into specific aspects such as pack types and pack closures, metal packaging, rigid plastic, glass, liquid cartons, paper-based containers and flexible packaging.

Some of the trends that will be showcased include sustainable packaging, large value packs, smaller concentrated packs, second-life packaging, multi-use packaging, packaging for product differentiation and variation, minimalist design and new decorative matt finishes.

“Visitors will also benefit from seeing the many interactive displays and the on-site demonstrations of equipment. The show creates a platform for industry networking and provides visitors with the opportunity to interact with top industry experts.

“We are confident that this year’s show will be a great success and benefit exhibitors and visitors,” states Corin.

Visitors to the 2011 Propak Cape said they benefited from the show because of the cutting-edge technology and trends on display, and they had an opportunity to source new suppliers and obtain the latest industry information and knowledge.

Propak Cape is supported by developer of the art and science of packaging The Institute of Packaging, printing industry watchdog Printing South Africa and plastics industry watchdog Plastics South Africa. For greater reach into Africa and overseas, Propak Cape also enjoys the support of the chambers of commerce and trade consuls throughout the continent.

Co-Located Exhibitions
The FoodPro Expo will highlight equipment used at bakeries and laboratories; for confectionery; and in food and beverage processing, filtration processes, mixers and blenders.

Pro-Plas Expo will focus on the manufacturers and suppliers of plastics-processing machinery, blow- and injection-moulding machinery, chillers, converting and extrusion equipment, feeders, and processing aids, as well as recycling equipment and materials.

The Print Expo will showcase the latest innovations in the digital and traditional printing market with regard to packaging. It will also provide information on global trends, advancements in technology, product developments and market updates.

The Pro-Label Cape Expo will showcase coding equipment, labels, label applicators, labelling machines, printing equipment and materials, scanning equipment and substrates.