After more than a two-year absence due to uncertainties caused by the pandemic, PackPrint International is keeping its sights firmly fixed on the 19-22 October 2022 dates for its eighth edition.
As a leading platform for the packaging and printing sectors in the region, Thailand continues to be the choice location for the exhibition, with optimistic growth projected for the sectors. Broadening its reach and application sectors, this edition will see PackPrint International co-locating with a newly formed exhibition on corrugated packaging – CorruTec Asia. The synergy-rich product and technology mix offered by the two exhibitions will reunite Thailand’s packaging, printing and corrugated packaging industries by offering a lively platform for face-to-face meetings, spur business opportunities and investment prospects, and international collaboration and innovation.
Messe Düsseldorf Asia, the joint organizer of both exhibitions, has taken the opportunity to rethink what PackPrint International and CorruTec Asia have to offer and open up new and unique perspectives and thus the strong business potential for exhibitors, trade visitors, and the industries as a whole. Gernot Ringling, managing director, Messe Düsseldorf Asia, said, “The pandemic has served as an accelerant in multiple ways, particularly spurring the adoption of eCommerce and innovation. It has also magnified the value and power of human connection and the importance of face-to-face interactions. It is proven that the business community is keen and ready for the return of MICE events.”
“We are looking forward to bringing decision-makers from the industries together in October to a dynamic show floor to generate new business and establish new contacts. In addition to smart business matching opportunities, the six focus areas at PackPrint International 2022, artificial intelligence, sustainability, digital economy, 3D printing, security and safety, and premium design will set the stage for an exhibition like no other, said Ringling.”
PackPrint International and CorruTec Asia are forging ahead with optimism
With Thailand stepping up efforts to welcome back large-scale international business events and host iconic events, TCEB (Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau) is well on its way to positioning the country as the preferred MICE destination in the region. PackPrint International and CorruTec Asia will be well placed later in the year against a backdrop of stronger global business activity, unrestricted travel and overall confidence.
In the fourth quarter of last year, Thailand’s economy showed optimistic growth, rebounding faster than expected, on robust exports and a recovery in domestic activity following the easing of coronavirus curbs and as international travel restrictions improved. While for foreign direct investment, strong growth continues in foreign investments in target sectors such as smart electronics, speciality chemicals, bioplastics and the medical cluster.
Other industries that are expected to see continued growth include exports and digital business and their supply chains. Examples are automobiles and parts, food products, eCommerce, delivery and packaging services, logistics and warehouses, IT solutions, cybersecurity services, telemedicine, hard disk drives, cloud data centres, and digital asset platforms.
Looking ahead with confidence and optimism, Kriengkrai Thiennukul, vice chairman, Industrial Promotion Support, The Federation of Thai Industries, said, “It has been and continues to be a challenging landscape for Thailand and the world economies. Now is the time for us to enhance capacity and foster growth of Thai industries by promoting the use of science, technology, innovation and digitalization in product development and production efficiency improvement, skills development – management, technology and innovation of entrepreneurs, workers and all players in the value chain.”
“Thus, these two exhibitions provide an ideal showcase for the industry to share best practices and the international business community to experience Thai capabilities and what we have to offer,” said Thiennukul.
Often referred to as the exhibition by the industry for the industry, PackPrint International is a tripartite collaboration by The Thai Packaging Association, The Thai Printing Association and Messe Düsseldorf Asia (MDA). At the same time, CorruTec Asia is co-organised by MDA and the Thai Corrugated Packaging Association.
Invest in technology and adopt an innovative mindset
The growing eCommerce market and surge in demand for consumer goods and health products have driven demand for packaging. “There are enormous opportunities for Thai manufacturers and entrepreneurs. The prospects of the global packaging business are promising, with the world market forecast to grow by 7.5% annually through to 2027. Thai companies should heighten efforts to position themselves for global opportunities better, ramp up their competitiveness, and tap on this growing market,” said Manit Kamolsuwan, President of The Thai Packaging Association. Currently, Thailand is the largest exporter of packaging in ASEAN.
The pandemic has also manifested itself as a catalyst for new developments and ideas, particularly changing consumer demand. “The marketplace has to adapt and renew itself,” said Chusak Deetrakunwattanapoen, President, Thai Corrugated Packaging Association. He went on to cite how the industry came together at the height of the Covid-19 health crisis to help with the short supply of hospital beds by recycling corrugated paper and carton boxes to produce thousands of field hospital beds.
Digital label and packaging print volume have also seen a significant rise in the last couple of years due to customisation, short lead-time and high SKU printing from ready to eat food. “In recent months, we have seen some companies focus their business on customised labelling, variable label printing, corrugated packaging, and QR codes. This is the time for the Thai printing industry and commercial printers to invest in new machinery and digital machines to automate workflows to run productions with smaller manpower resources and serve demand from eCommerce,” said Pongthira Pathanapiradej, President, The Thai Printing Association. “
Against the changing backdrop and fluid global economy, Pathanapiradej said local businesses must align themselves with the worldwide packaging and printing trends, adapt to new competitive landscapes, revamp business models, and find new ways to value-add their offerings.
Defining packaging and printing in Asia
Backed by a successful track record that has continued to gain momentum since 2007, PackPrint International celebrates the theme ‘defining packaging and printing in Asia’ for the 2022 edition, where at the heart of the exhibition is a focus on technology and innovation. Showcasing these latest trends with their machinery and product solutions are industry heavyweights from brands coming from Germany, Japan, Switzerland, such as – Bobst, Heidelberg, Konica Minolta, Tsukatani, Zund, as well as leading home-grown brands like Comprint, Cyber SM, Nationwide, and Sansin Printing Machine Material.
PackPrint International and CorruTec Asia are looking forward to welcoming over 12,500 trade visitors, including some 30% from outside Thailand, while on the exhibitor front, some 250 international companies are expected. Attendees to the exhibitions will come mainly from the printing and packaging industries and vertical markets such as consumer products, cosmetics, luxury goods, medicine, banking, and security technology.
