BOBST Pioneers Sustainable Packaging in West Africa
Reinforces commitment to more sustainable, circular, and competitive packaging industry through technological innovation, industry dialogue, and recognition of local excellence
BOBST participated as an exhibitor at plastprintpack West Africa 2026, held from 8–10 October at Parc de Expositions in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, bringing together key players from the packaging, printing, plastics, and food industries.
BOBST welcomed customers, converters, industry professionals, and partners to exchange insights and explore innovative technologies, equipment, and services designed to enhance productivity, quality, operational efficiency, and sustainability across the packaging value chain.
plastprintpack West Africa, along with the other co-located events—agrofood, Afrik’Embal, and Food & HoReCa Expo—witnessed record attendance. Hundreds of B2B meetings were held during the first two days, highlighting the dynamism of Côte d’Ivoire’s packaging market and its importance as a regional hub for West Africa.
Sharing BOBST’s Vision for More Sustainable Packaging Industry
As part of its participation, Stéphane Vrignon, Zone Business Director at BOBST, spoke at a conference dedicated to the challenges, opportunities, and practical pathways towards a greener, more circular, competitive, and inclusive packaging industry.
Addressing a panel of experts and leading packaging stakeholders from West Africa, he highlighted BOBST’s active contribution to the industry’s sustainable transformation through three key areas: the sustainability of BOBST’s own operations, the development of more sustainable equipment and technologies, and the use of packaging materials and their end-of-life management.
Recognising Excellence: Les Éléphants de l’Emballage 2026
Another highlight of the event was the Les Éléphants de l’Emballage 2026 competition, organised by APECI, the Ivorian packaging industry association. The awards ceremony celebrated the talent, innovation, and achievements of companies and professionals contributing to the development of the packaging sector in Côte d’Ivoire.
BOBST was honoured to present one of the awards in the Consommation et Recyclabilité (Consumption and Recyclability) category, recognising initiatives that contribute to more responsible packaging consumption and improved recyclability.
This award category closely aligns with BOBST’s commitment to supporting the transition towards a more sustainable and circular packaging industry. By encouraging innovative approaches to packaging use and end-of-life management, the initiative helps promote solutions that address environmental challenges while meeting the evolving needs of the market.
Long-Term Customer and Regional Commitment
Commenting on BOBST’s participation, Manuel Cortizo Pichel, General Manager & Region Services Director at BOBST Africa, Middle East, Turkey, and Caucasus, says, “West Africa is a dynamic market with significant potential for the development of the packaging and printing industries. Our participation in plastprintpack West Africa reflects BOBST’s commitment to being close to our customers, understanding their evolving needs, and providing the technologies, services, and expertise they need to grow.
“Sustainability is a collective responsibility and a key driver of innovation for our industry. At BOBST, we work across the entire packaging value chain to help our customers improve productivity, quality, and efficiency, while advancing towards more responsible packaging solutions.
“Our contribution to the conference and our participation in Les Éléphants de l’Emballage 2026 awards, particularly in the Consommation et Recyclabilité category, demonstrate our commitment to working alongside industry stakeholders, recognising local excellence, and supporting the development of a competitive and sustainable packaging industry in Côte d’Ivoire and across West Africa.”
Through its participation in plastprintpack West Africa 2026, BOBST reaffirmed its commitment to fostering long-term partnerships, sharing expertise, and supporting the transformation of the packaging industry through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices.
