Al Jawad Flexi, a member of Takamul Industries, has opened a new flexible packaging manufacturing facility as part of an expansion programme aimed at increasing production capabilities for food, beverage, dairy and FMCG applications. The company announced the development on 15 July 2026, confirming that the first stage of the …
Lombardi expands Middle East presence with Invicta i1 flexo press sale to All Pack Yemen
Italian press manufacturer Lombardi Converting Machinery to supply a nine-colour Invicta i1 flexographic press to All Pack Yemen for Printing, adding an 800 mm-wide inline platform for label and flexible packaging production in Yemen. The press deal will see the Italian flexographic printing equipment manufacturer provide its Invicta i1 technology to …
Gravure Under the Sustainability Lens
Prof. Dr. Lutz Engisch, Institute Director at iP³ Leipzig – Institute for Printing, Processing and Packaging Leipzig, and B.Eng. Dominik Kantek of HTWK Leipzig share comparative LCA insights that challenge long-held assumptions about gravure printing’s environmental impact. In conversation with Ben Daniel, Chief Editor of Packaging MEA, they explain why substrates, ink …
From Operational Excellence to Growth: Theresia Gollner on Packaging Progress
Usha Benjamin, Managing Editor of Packaging MEA, speaks to Theresia Gollner, ALPLA on sustainability, operational excellence, regional manufacturing challenges and women’s evolving role in packaging. As packaging evolves across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, operational excellence, sustainability and diverse talent are increasingly important. Gollner shares her journey, her views on sustainability, …
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STONEY shifts from brown to clear PET bottles in South Africa to support recyclability
STONEY ginger beer classic is moving from its established brown bottle to clear PET packaging in South Africa, with a phased transition beginning in June 2026, Coca-Cola South Africa has announced. The packaging change will start with the 2.25-litre STONEY bottle, while the remaining portfolio is scheduled to transition over time. Clear …
Nestlé opens AI-powered SparX hub to accelerate consumer-led product innovation in MENA
Nestlé has inaugurated its SparX Innovation Hub at its Middle East and North Africa headquarters in Expo City Dubai, using artificial intelligence and real-time consumer insight to accelerate product development across the region. Opened on 8 July, the hub is designed to identify emerging consumer opportunities, support experimentation and develop products, services and experiences. …
Al Medan Project Company for Corrugated Carton (MPFC) opens new offices, marking a new milestone in their growth journey
Saudi Arabia – Al Medan Project Company for Corrugated Carton (MPFC) has officially inaugurated its new offices, marking an important milestone in the company’s continued growth, operational development, and commitment to excellence in the corrugated packaging industry. The opening ceremony was led by Mr. Mosad Ewais, General Manager of MPFC, who officially …
Unilever to integrate packaging development into $270 million US innovation hub
Unilever has announced plans for a $270 million innovation centre in New Haven, Connecticut, where packaging design will be integrated with formulation, fragrance creation, consumer insight and research and development functions. The centre will support Unilever’s beauty, wellbeing and personal care brands and is expected to become fully operational by spring 2029. Around 300 employees …
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TraceGains and Esko demonstrate 48-hour product and packaging update workflow
TraceGains and Esko have demonstrated a connected product and packaging workflow that moved a fictional food product from concept change to finished pouches within 48 hours at the recent Esko World event in New Orleans. The ‘Big Easy’ project tested how product development, compliance, packaging artwork and production processes could …
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Sidel receives 2026 EcoVadis Gold rating for sustainability performance
Sidel has received an EcoVadis Gold Medal for 2026, placing the packaging equipment supplier among the top 5% of companies assessed globally for sustainability performance. The rating recognises Sidel’s progress across environmental, social and governance areas, following an assessment of its management systems, reporting practices, supply chain processes and business ethics. …
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