From Local Solutions to Global Standards: A Conversation with WPO’s President

  In this edition of Packaging Middle East & Africa’s flagship Big Interview, we sit down with Luciana Pellegrino, the newly appointed President of the World Packaging Organization (WPO). From driving sustainability to shaping packaging education across continents, Luciana is spearheading global change in an industry that’s transforming at warp speed.     In an …

Global FMCG brands deliver innovations as 2025 sustainability goals arrive

Sustainable Packaging Innovations: 2025 and Beyond With 2025 global sustainability deadlines officially underway, leading food and beverage companies are advancing beyond pledges and into packaging innovation. From paper wrappers to refillable formats and recycled plastics, brands are experimenting with diverse solutions to move towards a circular economy. Paper-Based Transitions Paper is emerging as a viable …

Innovation Runs on People: Inside IPP’s Culture of Relentless Commitment

    Gen Alpha Technology is redefining gravure printing for flexible packaging, delivering unmatched precision, color accuracy, and consistency. Integrated Plastics Packaging (IPP) leverages this innovation to enhance branding and sustainability across the food, pharmaceutical, and FMCG sectors.   In the ever-evolving world of packaging and printing, innovation is essential—but it doesn’t thrive in isolation. …

Fedrigoni Showcases New Luxury Packaging Papers in Dubai, Expands IMEA Footprint

At a high-profile event in Dubai, Fedrigoni and its regional partner Orchid Gulf FZ LLC unveiled a portfolio of newly developed premium paper substrates—targeted squarely at the luxury packaging sector. Ben Daniel, Chief Editor of Packaging MEA, reports. Fedrigoni, the Italian-based global leader in premium paper solutions, unveiled its latest collection of high-end packaging substrates …

Packaging vs. counterfeits: How smart authentication is becoming a brand imperative

  As counterfeiting rises across sectors from pharmaceuticals to luxury goods, packaging authentication has become essential. At the PRIME Awards 2025: Innovators Success Stories Summit, two innovators (e7 Group & Vinsak) showcased smart, scalable, and sustainable solutions redefining packaging as a key tool for brand protection. Reports Ben Daniel.     Designing packaging to prevent …

ArabPlast 2025: Advancing Innovation and Sustainability in the Plastics Industry

At the 17th edition of ArabPlast, global industry leaders showcased cutting-edge innovations in plastics, recycling, and petrochemicals. As the official packaging media partner, Packaging MEA facilitated key discussions on the future of innovation and sustainability. Here’s an exclusive look at their insights, including an interview with Mr. Nadhal Mohamed, Director of Al Fajer Information & …

Cultural Packaging:  A Sweet Opportunity for Chocolate Brands

  In a striking encounter on Kazakhstan’s retail shelves, Doaa Bin Thabit, Contributing Editor at Packaging MEA, reveals how chocolate brands are leveraging cultural packaging to boost sales, preserve national identity, and create unique souvenirs, offering small manufacturers growth opportunities, particularly in the tourist market.         During a recent trip to Kazakhstan, …

Is Plastic Fantastic? Part 3: rPET in MEA: Can Policy and Innovation close the loop?

  As demand for recycled PET (rPET) rises, the MEA region struggles to scale recycling due to contamination, infrastructure gaps, and economic barriers. However, policy support, industry collaboration, and innovation could enable a circular PET economy. Usha Benjamin, Sustainability Editor, Packaging MEA, explores the challenges and opportunities.     As sustainability has become an immediate …

WPO: Empowering Communities in the Middle East & Africa Through Reduced Food Waste

  With food waste a pressing global concern, WPO Vice President for Sustainability & Save Food, Nerida Kelton calls for international collaboration, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, to adopt innovative packaging solutions that combat food loss.       Food waste is a complex and often underestimated global issue when looking at sustainability …

UPM and Orkla Suomi Launch Paper Packaging for Panda Milk Chocolate in Pilot Program

      UPM Specialty Papers and Orkla Suomi have introduced a new paper wrapper for Panda Milk chocolate in a six-month pilot aimed at reducing plastic use. The new paper packaging, available in stores across Finland, replaces traditional polypropylene (PP) plastic wrappers. Arja Laitinen, Packaging Developer at Orkla Snacks, emphasized the importance of sustainability, …