Page 54 - Packaging News July - August 2019

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PROPAK ASIA REPORT
Pulling out all the
packaging stops
Asia’s largest trade show for packaging and processing machinery, ProPak Asia, delivered four action-filled days and 1800 exhibits focusing on ‘The Future of Processing and Packaging Innovation’. PKN was there to find out why Australians are increasingly seeing this show as a significant event in the region. Lindy Hughson reports.
The event was divided into nine main zones, with the Packaging- Tech Asia zone a top attraction. This zone was jointly sponsored by the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), which also had a stand on the Australian pavilion located in this zone (see Machinery Mat- ters, page 29).
As evidenced by the scale of the show and the topics covered in the wide-ranging menu of side events, including the Global Packaging Fo- rum (see report on pages 52-53), and to quote Pienaar, “the packaging industry has never before been on such a fast track with so many fac- tors influencing its future” – and the dynamic expo that is ProPak Asia is the place to find the way forward.
AUSTRALIAN VIEW
Some 17 Australian companies chose to exhibit at this year’s event, a number of them in the Australian pavilion. Long-time supporter of the show and regular exhibitor, HMPS managing director Mark Emmett, told PKN he continues to see “huge opportunity” for Australian OEMs in this region, with ProPak Asia an important hub for establishing valuable connections.
“Thailand is facing a skills and labour shortage, which opens doors for robotics and automation suppli- ers,” he says. “At the same time, more and more multinational food compa- nies are setting up manufacturing plants in the region, in turn driving demand for automated equipment for packaging FMCGs.”
This year HMPS was showcasing its award-winning compact, stan- dardised frame with a modular
N ITS 27th installment, ProPak Asia 2019 proved in spades that it’s a world-class packaging and pro- cessing event making global indus- try players sit up and take notice. According to Marek Szandrowski, international brand director at
show organiser Informa Markets, the show increased year-on-year atten- dance by over seven per cent to reach more than 52,200 buyers from 50 countries, making 2019 the most successful event to date.
Speaking at the opening ceremo- ny, Australia’s Professor Pierre Pienaar, president of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), said: “The presence of so many of
you here from around the world is indicative of how highly ProPak Asia is valued by all who are serious about global packaging and the latest trends and innovation. I am confident that ProPak Asia will offer you dynamic challenges and information that will inspire you to go back to your respective busi- nesses and work even smarter to ensure you are bringing the best packaging to more people.”
Pienaar said ProPak Asia is an “outstanding learning platform” and commented on the value of the international pavilions, of which there were 15 at the show, including the Australian pavilion.
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July-August 2019