GPPS 2016 Kicks Off

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research visited The Gulf Packaging and Polymers Show (GPPS) today at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. During his tour, His Excellency listened to various demonstrations about the latest trends in production machinery and equipment, process and quality control instruments, storage, transport and services associated with the Packaging industry.

The 1st Edition of Gulf Packaging and Polymers Show kicked off earlier and was inaugurated by H.E. Humaid Mohamed Bin Salem, General Secretary of Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry. H.E. Humaid Bin Salem was accompanied by a number of officials and specialists from the Packaging & Polymers industry in the UAE and the region.

Running parallel to the show, a two-day conference featuring more than 30 renowned industry speakers from across the region and key international markets, will cover the full spectrum of current industry hot topics from the latest developments in convenience packaging to smart labels and advancement in tracking technology.

International Participation

GPPS provides a great opportunity for businessmen and investors in this industry to meet their local, regional, and international peers from packaging technology representatives and service suppliers. The expo this year hosts more than 50 exhibiting companies from 15 countries, and is expecting over 2000 visitors and participants throughout the 3 days of the event. 

Technology & Innovation

Exhibitions Director, Alex Heuff said: “GPPS is an exciting new platform which allows industry stakeholders to explore pioneering technologies that will enable packaging solutions to stay relevant in this fast-paced industry, driven by an increasing urban population of brand aware, image conscious consumers.”

“GPPS brings together thousands of the world’s leading suppliers and buyers from the entire Packaging and Polymers value chain under one roof”. He added.

Specialized Conference

The conference opened with a keynote address by H.E. Dr Alaa Nassif, CEO, Royal Commission of Jubail and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, the Official Host Partners of the event, followed by Kaunain Shahidi, Senior Packaging Manager for Al Marai in Saudi Arabia with a session entitled Sustainability – A Challenge for the Packaging Industry.

With packaging waste a global concern, increasing consumer demand for reduced plastics use, and regional variations in packaging requirements, the issue of sustainability will also be addressed at several dedicated sessions.

“The program of the GPPS Conference is designed for industry leaders, suppliers, decision makers, institutions and market analysts to achieve a comprehensive overview of the latest Packaging & Polymers trends and developments. On the other hand, these specialized sessions concentrate on new technologies that aim to preserve and motivate the environmental aspects of this industry in order to reduce any possible negative environmental impact.” Alex Heuff concluded. 

Regional & Global Platform

Bringing together thousands of the top suppliers and buyers from the world of packaging and polymers, GPPS provides a unique platform for the entire MENA packaging value chain to meet under one roof. Supported by World Packaging Organization (WPO), the inaugural event facilitates knowledge-sharing and business interaction on a global scale.

Gulf Packaging and Polymers Show is organised by Fleming. and supported by World Packaging Organization and Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Sponsors include Borouge, a leading provider of innovative, value creating solution as the event’s Strategic Partner. LyondellBasell, one of the world’s leading plastics, chemical and refining companies as the Silver Sponsor. With the Europe Pallet Saudi Paxxal and Kautex as the Bronze Sponsors.