Packaging to feature at Africa's Big Seven

Packaging manufacturers from the US, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and Asia will showcase their equipment, systems and products.

John Thomson, MD of Exhibition Management Services, the organisers of AB7, says more South African-based packaging companies will make an appearance at the expo.

“Key trends to look out for this year will include some quite innovative colour-coding systems to make customer choice more convenient,” says Thomson. “But the most anticipated development in this sector will see completely new, highly creative packaging designs made from environmentally friendly materials; packaging made from a wider variety of recycled and recyclable materials, and packaging made from sustainable organic materials. Producers are also streamlining their production and distribution processes to reduce materials and energy used in manufacturing, and reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions in transportation.”

The South African packaging industry is worth an estimated R36.2-billion annually and is viewed as an emerging market, especially in the new field of sustainable packaging. Thomson believes that South African packaging companies are gradually taking their place in the mainstream of global trade. “The rest of Africa represents a huge export destination for South African packaging companies as half of all packaging exports are to the rest of Africa,” he says.

The seven-in-one trade show comprises:

• Agri-Food - manufacturers and producers expo;
  
• DrinkTech Africa - beverage processing and packing machinery, equipment and technology;
  
• FoodBiz Africa - food service and equipment;
  
• FoodTech Africa - production, processing and packaging;
  
• InterBake Africa - equipment, processes and ingredients for the baking industry;
  
• Pan Africa Retail Exhibition - food, beverages, merchandise and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG);
  
• Retail Solutions Africa - technology for retailers.