The 2026 edition has grown from 190 exhibitors at the previous Propak Cape in 2023, giving visitors an even broader opportunity to discover technologies and solutions for an industry facing increasing pressure to improve efficiency, manage costs, maintain consistency and respond to evolving customer, market and sustainability requirements.
At the heart of Propak Cape is the opportunity to experience technology first-hand. Live demonstrations will enable visitors to see machinery and solutions in operation, compare technologies and engage directly with suppliers, technical specialists and industry experts.
Automation and end-of-line solutions, marking and coding, packaging efficiency, food and beverage applications, and developments in sustainable and recyclable packaging will be among the key areas of focus.
Among the technologies being presented in 2026, SloniTec will showcase its Aseptic Bag in Box Filler, designed to extend product shelf life at ambient temperatures, while Progetto will demonstrate an automated carton packing solution for integration into automated production lines.
Goldpack will showcase its partnership with GroupMosca, with a particular focus on applications for South Africa's citrus industry and solutions across strapping, wrapping and end-of-line packaging. REA South Africa will take visitors through marking and coding applications across different stages of production, from label creation through to end-of-line.
Sustainability will remain an important focus, with developments in recyclability, lightweighting, mono-material packaging and more efficient packaging formats on display.
Tetra Pak will showcase its Tetra Recart carton packaging for shelf-stable tuna, brought to market in collaboration with Spanish seafood producer Jealsa. Visitors will also be able to see the 750ml Eco-Flat Wine Bottle developed for the South African wine market by Polyoak Packaging in partnership with Packamama, Safripol and Stellenbosch Vineyards. Its lightweight and space-efficient format demonstrates how packaging design can contribute to more efficient transportation and supply chains.
Mark Anderson, Propak Cape Portfolio Director, Montgomery Group, says Propak Cape's value lies in connecting industry challenges with practical technologies and expertise.
"Packaging and processing businesses are balancing demands for greater efficiency and productivity with changing market and sustainability requirements. Propak Cape gives visitors the opportunity to see how technology is responding to those challenges, experience solutions in action and have meaningful conversations with the people behind them."
Beyond the exhibition floor, the free-to-attend seminar programme organised by the Institute of Packaging SA will add another dimension to the visitor experience, with industry experts sharing insights into technologies, case studies, industry best practice and legislative developments.
With more than 20 years of experience, Propak Cape continues to provide a meeting place for packaging and processing professionals to discover solutions, explore emerging technologies, strengthen industry connections and identify opportunities to improve their operations.
Propak Cape 2026 incorporates Pro-Plas Expo, FoodPro, Print Expo and Pro-Label Expo and is supported by IPSA, Packaging SA, Plastics SA and Printing SA.
Propak Cape 2026 takes place from 27-29 October 2026 at the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC).
For free visitor registration, go to www.propakcape.co.za
