GPP 2024 brings together dynamic MEA packaging industry

Prominent trends at Gulf Print & Pack 2024 were the replacement of offset with flexo with inline converting, increased uptake of digital printing across both commercial and package print spaces, and automation - particularly in labels, flexible packaging and commercial print applications. The exhibition also placed a spotlight on sustainability.

Amit Radia, CEO and founder of leading print company Atlas Print adds: ‘Gulf Print & Pack 2024 was an excellent show. Gulf Print & Pack is the benchmark of the printing industry for the region and a must-attend event on the calendar.’

Labels and flex pack

Labels and flexible packaging suppliers were among the most visited at the show. For the first time, there were multiple narrow web flexo presses on the GPP show floor, and a growing number of narrow web digital presses targeted at label and flexible packaging applications.

Afra International kicked off the show by unveiling the Etirama SPS3 flexo press. This 10-color servo-driven press boasts a 350mm web width. It offers options including cold foil, delam/relam, lamination, sheeter and a turn bar for reverse printing. The machine was displayed in line with a Lundberg waste handling system to collect matrix waste during production.

First-time GPP exhibitor Nilpeter took full advantage of the growing interest in flexo and hybrid printing.

Martin Teilberg, global marketing manager at Nilpeter, comments: ‘There is a good buzz, a good vibe at the show. Sustainable solutions, digitalization and automation are the key trends now, with customers looking to save money and optimize efficiency, and these are the features we have been highlighting.’

Leading Chinese narrow web press manufacturer Weigang displayed an 8-color ZJR-350G in-line flexo press and ZX-320 intermittent offset presses.

RK Label Printing Machinery showcased its tower-type flexo press which was sold to a customer in Saudi Arabia.

Vinsak promoted Lombardi flexo presses, Iwasaki intermittent flexo and offset presses and Rotatek new edition offset intermittent and wide-web presses. Vinsak has major plans for the relaunch of the Rotatek brand, which will be covered in a future edition of L&L.

Ranesh Bajaj, director of Vinsak, comments: ‘A lot of people are saying that UAE is getting crowded as a market and I tend to agree. Earlier, UAE was supplying into Middle East and Africa and now these countries are building their own capabilities. While it may be tough for UAE converters, for machine suppliers, new markets are opening up. Every country in Africa needs to have local production after Covid and supply chain disruptions which continue even now. Every country in the region is preferring to go local. We see Saudi Arabia as an emerging market. So, this region is picking up very strongly. We also see Oman trying to grow as well.’

Digital technology

Digital printing technology could not be overlooked with a surge in demand for short runs, variable printing and customized packaging.

Epson demonstrated its SurePress L-4733AW water-based digital label press along with its desktop printers ColorWorks C6500 and C4000 featuring cloud-enabled, on-demand color label printing.

Pulisi promoted its DPIM 330FUV inkjet press that prints at 60m /min in 1200x600 DPI resolution with maximum width of 330mm. The press can be configured with inline flexo print stations for coating and spot color applications.

Konica Minolta showcased its AccurioLabel 400 digital label press which prints at speeds up to 39.9m/min in CMYK with the option to add white.

Konica Minolta also promoted its AccurioLabel 230 digital press and MGI AccurioShine 3600 digital embellishment press. The company sold five units of its narrow web production machines and two units of AccurioShine 3600 embellishment machine.