In this series, ME Printer brings you exclusive, showfloor interviews with industry stalwarts representing some of the major exhibitors at Gulf Print & Pack 2025, Riyadh, the leading commercial print and packaging trade show in the Middle East. This was the inaugural edition of GPP to be held in Saudi Arabia.
In conversation with Awad Alanazi, General Manager, Alkhorayef Printing Solutions.
Why did Alkhorayef decide to participate in Gulf Print & Pack 2025?
There are a few key reasons we are participating in this event in Saudi Arabia for the first time. As a company based in the country, we are eager to support the local industry by sharing our expertise and solutions. It is also an opportune time for us, as we have undergone significant changes over the past few years. This event represents a chance for us to showcase our capabilities to partners, customers, and visitors, and highlight the new offerings we have developed. Ultimately, strategic marketing is a primary driver behind our participation.
What are the new technologies or products are you launching at Gulf Print & Pack?
We were excited to showcase a range of innovative solutions at this year’s show in Saudi Arabia. As this event is happening for the first time happening in the country, it presents a valuable opportunity. We are equally eager to introduce something new and different to the Saudi market.
Alkhorayef has been placing greater emphasis on digital technology, as it plays a crucial complementary role to the packaging industry. Digital is taking on a significant part of the business nowadays and that is why we debuted three new models at the show – a digital printing solution for corrugated cartons, a paper bags machine that works with rolls, and a machine capable of direct printing on ready paper bags.
How does your latest machinery software compare with your competitors?
Our machines and software are very reliable and competitive products. At the recent event, we showcased our European-made machines that feature specialised software. This software gives customers the ability to estimate job costs before printing, which is a highly valuable tool that some customers pay a lot to access. Competition is fierce in this industry, but our technology stands out.
China, I believe, is not like what they were. They currently have good quality machines. Do you agree?
In fact, yes, China has a robust manufacturing portfolio, and that is why we collaborate with them as long-term supplier partnerships. We have chosen a highly reliable company, WONDERJET, which is part of the large Dongfang Precision Group. They possess remarkable machines that are both reliable and offer exceptional quality.
Does Alkhorayef only deal in Saudi Arabia?
Mainly yes, but we cover Bahrain in addition to Saudi in WONDERJET digital machines.
What are the trends shaping the future of the printing and packaging industry? Secondly, what are some profitable niche markets you believe printers should explore in the coming years?
The market is changing rapidly. Companies are now carefully considering where to focus their efforts and which business areas to prioritise. In the printing industry, specifically offset and digital printing, I am seeing a shift towards more personalised, customised, and seasonal work.
It is clear that everyone is talking about the changes and trying to anticipate the future of the printing and packaging industry. One obvious trend is the growing prominence of digital printing. In the past, digital printing had some limitations – the quality was not as good and the prices were quite high. Nevertheless, over the last 10-15 years, companies have worked hard to improve quality and bring prices down. As a result, digital printing is becoming increasingly popular.
However, digital is not going to replace offset printing entirely. Instead, the two will complement each other. The market itself is showing a sense of urgency – customers want things faster, with more customisation and shorter turnaround times, especially in industries like food, perfumes, and cosmetics. These companies prefer not to print and stock products in advance, due to the issues with inventory. They want short-term, personalised printing solutions.
Given this, I believe offset and packaging factories should think about how to integrate digital capabilities to complement their existing setups. Digital inkjet technology, in particular, could be well suited to serve the evolving needs of niche markets.
What are the biggest challenges faced by the print and packaging industry today and how does your company provide solutions for that?
The packaging industry in Saudi Arabia is facing significant challenges as the market undergoes rapid changes. Over the past five years, there have been profound shifts in the culture, consumer behaviour, and demands that are creating difficulties for packaging companies to adapt.
Some packaging firms are struggling to keep up, while others are thriving. This disparity is because the successful companies have recognised the evolving market realities and are adjusting their operations accordingly. They are focusing on understanding future demands and reflecting those changes back into their manufacturing processes.
Alkhorayef, for example, has identified packaging as a growing area. As the Saudi market becomes more urbanised and modernised, the demand for sophisticated and customised packaging solutions is increasing. To meet this demand, companies need to invest in digital printing, software, and automation technologies that can provide the agility and responsiveness required.
The changes are not limited to just Riyadh – the entire Kingdom is undergoing transformations. While Riyadh, as the largest city, may be seeing the most visible mega-projects and economic development, other regions of Saudi Arabia are also evolving rapidly. Initiatives like NEOM, EXPO, and World Cup are driving widespread changes across the country.
The packaging industry must adapt quickly to these fast-paced market shifts. Companies that can anticipate future demands, automate their processes, and provide innovative packaging solutions will be best positioned to thrive in the changing Saudi landscape.
How does Alkhorayef address sustainability concerns in the printing and packing sectors?
Today, everyone is concerned about recycling and which materials can be recycled. The technology we are introducing to the market with our partners is focused on sustainability. The machines we are showcasing here at Gulf Print & Pack can print on recycled paper – this is our contribution to sustainability. We also did not present any plastic products. When it comes to our digital corrugation machine, the corrugated cartons it produces can be recycled as well.
What are the steps taken by your company to adapt to the growing demand for digitalisation and eco-friendly printing?
Over the past four years, our partnership and portfolio have undergone significant changes. We have exited certain areas and expanded into new ones, driven by our recognition of the country’s digital transformation which is part of Vision 2030. As a private sector company, we have sensed this shift and have substantially adjusted our portfolio to support the country’s digitalisation. To ensure our customers can successfully transition from traditional to digital business models, we have introduced new setups and offerings to support digital transformation.
Can you explain the live demonstrations that you are conducting here?
We have two main offerings for our customers demonstrated here. The first is our paper bag and corrugation printing services. We work closely with customers to help them print their own paper bags from roll to roll and produce customised corrugated cartons. We guide them through the entire process, from designing their logos, names, and addresses to the final printing.
The second is our customised packaging solutions. We demonstrate to our clients that packaging is beneficial not just for large factories, but for end-users as well. Many small businesses and individuals need quality packaging but lack the resources to set up their own production. Therefore, we provide specialised, low-investment solutions. Perfume, cosmetic, food, and coffee companies can use our services to print, design, and brand their own unique packaging..
Are you looking for any local or international partnerships in the coming years?
Alkhorayef, in partnership with MTEX NS, is excited to showcase cutting-edge digital printing and packaging solutions at GPP 2025 in Riyadh. Our collaboration brings advanced, sustainable technology directly to Saudi industries, empowering businesses with precision, efficiency, and innovation across flexible and rigid packaging, commercial printing, and labels.
Partnership is an important part of our culture, but we are very selective in our approach nowadays. We are focusing more on the niche software market, and any partnership that helps us access that market is welcome. We are really exploring how we can introduce new software solutions that enhance automation and benefit the market.
What kind of feedback are you getting from visitors and potential customers at the exhibition?
The feedback we have received so far has been very positive. Our booth has been quite crowded, with many customers and some suppliers as well. I think everyone is welcoming Alkhorayef and appreciating the machine we presented, as well as the unique setup we have put together. This is a bit different from our typical customised solutions, but the response has been good. The visitors are also showing a lot of interest in our live demos. We have concluded couple of deals during the event and I am optimistic that we will be able to secure some more significant deals at this show and afterwards.
How important is Gulf Print & Pack in terms of networking, showcasing innovations, and expanding market presence?
As an industry leader, Gulf Print & Pack has been a renowned fixture in the printing and packaging landscape for decades. This longstanding trade show provides a valuable platform to showcase the latest innovations and trends. Participating in Gulf Print is crucial, as it allows us to effectively market our business and offerings, while also gaining valuable industry insights in return. Engaging with this important event is a strategic move that generates mutual benefits for both our company and the show itself.
What role do you think events like these play in swing collaboration innovation in the printing and packaging industry?
The market needs to see what manufacturers, providers, or suppliers are offering and where they are headed, as this is the place for new innovations. These events serve as a platform for companies to introduce something novel, providing customers, end-users, and printing presses with fresh ideas and perspectives. Such industry events are undoubtedly crucial for the market, customers, end-users, and suppliers alike.
