Trade showcase Propak Africa will reveal ground-breaking innovations across packaging, printing, plastics, food processing and labelling to enable attendees to stay ahead in an ever-changing market, says organiser Specialised Exhibitions, a division of Montgomery Group.

The exhibition will be held at the Nasrec Johannesburg Expo Centre from March 11 to 14.

“Propak Africa, together with co-located shows Pro-Plas Expo, The GAPP Print Expo, FoodPro Expo and Pro-Label Expo, will be more than double the size of the 2022 event,” says Specialised Exhibitions portfolio director Mark Anderson.

This year’s Propak Africa will feature over 500 exhibitors, far exceeding the 200 exhibitors at the 2022 iteration.

Whereas international participation was limited in 2022, that is not the case this year, which will result in a broader range of new products and innovations.

Exhibitors will showcase advanced machinery and materials designed to boost efficiency, sustainability and cost- effectiveness in production.

“By adopting cost-effective solutions, businesses will start to mitigate some of the financial pressures within their organisations,” Anderson says.

Propak Africa also offers attendees digital tools aimed at enhancing their experience at the event.

Attendees can “opt-in to the OneMatch Business Networking Tool” when registering, which enables them to schedule one-on-one meetings with relevant suppliers, ensuring meaningful and productive interactions tailored to their business objectives.

The tool aims to streamline networking, generate high-quality leads and enhance overall event success.

Developed in collaboration with event technology provider Teqstra, the OneMatch tool will offer “intelligent matchmaking, pre- scheduled meetings and real-time communication. By leveraging users’ preferences and business objectives, it ensures that participants engage in meaningful, high-value interactions”, Anderson explains.

Additionally, Propak Africa’s new WhatsApp Concierge Service, developed in collaboration with WhatsApp marketing agency Bluetick, provides on-demand event information and live chat functionality for quick assistance.

The service offers instant responses to queries about schedules, exhibitor lists and floor plans, reducing reliance on information desks and printed materials, Anderson says.

He adds that, during the four-day event, Propak Africa will feature a series of insightful seminars that will address key innovations and trends in the packaging industry.

The speaker programme for the Seminar Theatre in Hall 5 includes a presentation titled Optimising Energy and Labour Efficiency in Ready Meat, Sauce and Beverage Production, presented by industrial cooking equipment manufacturer DC Norris & Company product and process technology manager Stuart Rigby.

Moreover, equipment manufacturer Air Knife Systems marketing manager and safety officer Samantha Swales will present on the challenges faced by local small, medium-sized and microenterprises on their journey to sustainability.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) manufacturer and recycler Indorama Ventures Polymers MD Dr Patrick Amrhein will focus on the development and application of advanced PET materials tailored to the unique demands of wine and cosmetic packaging.

Meanwhile, adhesive manufacturer H.B. Fuller India representatives will discuss adhesive technologies that enhance recyclability and reduce carbon footprints, aligning with global circular economy standards.

Additional speakers include software specialists Bayes Dynamics co-founder and software engineering head Sivesh Chetty, automation company Synertech programme manager Rob Penney, retailer Woolworths South Africa senior packaging technologist Don MacFarlane and industry association European Hygienic Engineering and Design group regional section South Africa chairperson Peet Grobler.