RIYADH – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's packaging industry has achieved an annual growth of 15 percent, latest market reports said. The demand for safe and sustainable packaging solutions is also on the rise parallel to food packaging requirements at a time when food consumption is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.6 percent between 2011 and 2015 to eventually reach 51.1 million tons. The Kingdom alone commands a large 70 percent share of the total GCC packaging market. During the time when the Saudi market is showing a keen interest in plastic as raw material in the packaging industry, it is only right to host Saudi Print and Pack 2014 – the 11th International Trade Exhibition for Printing and Packaging Technologies – to showcase the latest packaging technologies, machinery, equipment and supplies to the regional market. Held concurrently with Saudi Plastics & Petrochem 2014, the 11th International Plastics & Petrochemicals Trade Fair, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Feb. 17-20, 2014, the event presents the largest marketplace for plastics, petrochemicals, printing, and packaging products, machinery and services in the Middle East Zeyad Al Rukban, Deputy General Manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said: “Several changes in the global printing and packaging industry in the recent years have created new challenges and opportunities for the sectors. Fresh technologies and innovative products that have led to key changes in packaging concepts and procedures will be explored at Saudi Print and Pack 2014.” “This year, the event will also emphasize on the growing demand for green technologies. We also have a special area devoted to environmental-friendly products and technologies. Further, Saudi Pack and Print 2014 will have six seminar halls dedicated to the exhibitors' presentations to highlight their latest products and innovations. This will help update the local market with the most modern trends and their top offerings,” he noted. Saudi Pack 2014 will feature various products' segments including filling machines, packaging machinery, consumer goods canning and packaging, design and manufacturing services, packaging equipment, paper production equipment, food packaging equipment, and packaging material. Spread across an area of 20,000 square meters, Saudi Print & Pack and Saudi Plastics & Petrochem 2014 will feature 10 national pavilions as well as exhibitors from 27 countries. Saudi Polymers is the Platinum Sponsor of the event while Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) and Tasnee are the Diamond Sponsors. — SG
