BOBST showcases sustainable packaging solutions at Tunisian roadshow

    BOBST hosted a two-day roadshow in Sousse, Tunisia, on 3 and 4 December 2025, to present recent developments in packaging technologies and sustainability practices. The event attracted over 150 attendees to the Sousse Pearl Marriott Resort & Spa Hotel, offering sector-focused sessions and insights from industry partners.     Day one of the …

Lecta launches Metalvac Ice Cream, a recyclable metallized paper developed for ice cream cone packaging.

Lecta has introduced Metalvac Ice Cream, a metallized paper designed specifically for the packaging of ice cream cones. The new product aims to offer a recyclable alternative to conventional laminate packaging in the frozen food sector.     Available in 123 gsm, Metalvac Ice Cream features a metallized surface suitable for offset, flexographic, and rotogravure …

Tabreed and Sparklo launch 16 Sparklomat machines under new UAE recycling initiative

Tabreed, the UAE-based district cooling company, has partnered with cleantech firm Sparklo to expand the country’s recycling infrastructure through the deployment of reverse vending machines (RVMs). The initiative includes the installation of 16 Tabreed-branded “Sparklomat” units in high-traffic locations across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. One Sparklomat has already been placed at Tabreed’s headquarters, while the …

Circularity’s hidden enablers: How inks, coatings and adhesives are redefining sustainable packaging

  In this first instalment of a three-part Packaging MEA series, Ben Daniel explores how innovations in inks, coatings, and adhesives are enabling the packaging industry to meet ambitious sustainability targets. From de-inkable systems to carbon-neutral adhesives and recyclable coatings, the building blocks of modern packaging are evolving and MEA converters must adapt to stay …

Flexo. Digital. Hybrid. How integrated workflows are rewriting label production across MEA and beyond

Hybrid print technology — combining digital and conventional workflows — is gaining traction among converters across MEA. As SKU complexity grows and brands push for speed, flexibility, and premium finishes, hybrid presses are emerging as the most commercially balanced solution. I’ve seen firsthand why hybrid printing is becoming a strategic priority across the Middle East …

Gravure reimagined: GRA International Gravure Days 2025 marks a global turning point for the industry

Reporting from Istanbul, Ben Daniel, Editor of Packaging MEA and MEA Chapter Ambassador of the Global Rotogravure Association (GRA), examines how International Gravure Days 2025 marked a turning point for the industry, as gravure adopted a global identity aligned with sustainability, digitalisation, and emerging market growth. When the gravure community gathered in Istanbul from 20–22 …

Global packaging industry eyes Interpack 2026 for innovation and collaboration

  In this exclusive pre-show interview, Ben Daniel, Chief Editor of Packaging Middle East & Africa, speaks with Thomas Dohse of Interpack and Richard Clemens of VDMA about what’s in store for Interpack 2026, including global participation, key industry trends, and the event’s focus on technology, materials, and future skills. As the packaging industry prepares …

K 2025 signals industry confidence and the MEA region’s rising strategic role

  In an exclusive interview, Thomas Franken, Director of K, speaks with Ben Daniel on the success of K 2025, the growing strategic relevance of the MEA region, and how regional engagement is shaping innovation and collaboration across the global plastics industry. At the latest edition of K, the world’s premier trade fair for plastics …

Leading with purpose: Hasit Patel on culture, innovation at Ramco Group

    Marwa Ramadan, Contributing Editor of Packaging MEA interviews Hasit Patel on Ramco Group’s evolution, leadership vision, and its expanding footprint in printing and packaging. Ramco Group is among East Africa’s most diversified conglomerates, operating across building materials, printing and packaging, manufacturing, and office distribution. Headquartered in Nairobi, the Group continues to strengthen its …

Sistrade marks 25 years with focus on digitalization and security printing innovation

Ben Daniel speaks with Mohammad Hamad at Sistrade’s 25th anniversary in Portugal on ERP-driven transformation in secure printing. The security printing industry operates in a demanding environment, where specialised workflows, advanced materials, and constantly evolving security designs set it apart from conventional printing. Managing highly complex processes—from planning and manufacturing to quality control, compliance, and …