Gulf Print & Pack 2027 is set to highlight the rapid evolution of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) print and packaging sectors, driven by shifts towards sustainability, digital transformation, and advanced automation. In this exclusive interview, Barry Killengrey, Event Director, discusses how the exhibition serves as a critical regional platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies, fostering international trade partnerships, and helping print service providers (PSPs) adapt to changing consumer demands.
The MENA region’s print and packaging industry is evolving rapidly. What are the significant industry trends driving this evolution, and how are these trends translating into new business opportunities for PSPs and packaging converters in the region?
The commercial and packaging printing markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are undergoing a transformative period, driven by the continued move to digital printing and finishing, evolving consumer preferences, and a growing focus on sustainability.
It is also displaying significant growth in the printing and packaging markets, fuelled by economic diversification efforts, population growth, and rising consumer spending. The region’s strategic location as a global trade hub is also driving demand for high-quality packaging solutions, particularly in the export-oriented sectors. Additionally, the increasing adoption of automation and Industry 4.0 technologies are transforming production processes, enabling businesses to achieve greater efficiency and scalability.
In digital printing, wide format continues to create new business opportunities for PSPs across a range of applications from short-run packaging to floor tiles, posters and digitally printed textiles. At Gulf Print & Pack 2027, exhibitors will showcase the latest advancements in digital printing, including high-speed inkjet and electrophotographic technologies and wide format, which are set to redefine the printing landscape in the region.
Smart technologies, such as QR codes and NFC tags are on the rise in the region too. The show will also bring smart packaging with exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies that bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences.
The Middle East is experiencing accelerated growth in printing and packaging markets, bolstered by Dubai’s role as a regional hub. Which are segments poised for the highest growth in MENA, and how can regional companies position themselves to capitalize on these opportunities?
The segments poised for growth in the MENA region include labels, flexible packaging and digital print solutions. These are driven by overall economic growth leading to rapid development of organized retail and a consumer sector dominated by younger consumers with increasing disposal incomes.
There is a major trend towards import substitution, creating opportunities for the local supply chain including PSPs, commercial printers and packaging converters. In the commercial market, these opportunities are around substituting analog printing formats with digital for fast response, waste minimization and meeting the demand from consumers for personalization and customization across a range of categories from photobooks and textiles to direct mail.
Regional converters will be looking at automation, waste reduction and exploring how digital print and embellishment will complement more efficient analog flexo and offset workflows.
Now in its 15th edition, how would you describe the strategic importance of Gulf Print & Pack as a platform for regional and international businesses?
Gulf Print & Pack plays a pivotal role in fostering cross-border partnerships and facilitating market entry into the Middle East for global businesses, while simultaneously supporting local players in expanding their reach.
Perhaps the most relevant contribution is being a trusted platform. This includes facilitating unparalleled business and providing networking opportunities for commercial printers, print service providers, packaging converters, and print buyers. Attracting the most relevant and growing businesses locally as well as global enterprises with significant investment and interest in the region cements Gulf Print & Pack’s reputation as a trusted platform.
Which industry-leading innovations and technological breakthroughs are expected to be highlighted at Gulf Print & Pack 2027?
Exhibitors at Gulf Print & Pack 2027 will soon be unveiling in more detail the equipment and systems they will exhibit at the show. What we already know is that this will cover the full range of digital print and embellishment equipment focusing on high-speed transactional printing, cut-sheet print and wide format, along with finishing automation systems.
The upcoming show is set to have many more machines running live on the show floor. How do these live demos and interactive displays enhance the value for attendees?
Live demonstrations have multiple benefits in helping show visitors decide on their future investment strategies by allowing potential buyers to directly examine the quality of output and the range of substrates handled.
Secondly, it allows visitors to see the machines being run by skilled operators. They can view the complete production process from file management to print and finishing, and ask hands-on questions, for example about workflow automation features. Another interesting benefit of live demonstrations is to give printers an idea of the factory space required to operate the machine – very important given the compact size of many print shops.
Sustainability has become a paramount concern in packaging and printing worldwide. How is the 2027 show promoting or highlighting sustainable printing and packaging?
Gulf Print & Pack 2027 has partnered with the Circular Packaging Association (CPA) to promote the growing push towards sustainable print and packaging across the UAE and wider MENA region. The UAE-based CPA brings together global brand owners, government agencies, NGOs and technical experts on circular packaging technology and systems. The CPA will provide an information resource at this show and we hope to work together on a wider educational program for Gulf Print & Pack 2028.
This ties in with a broad push towards more sustainable print and packaging systems on show at the exhibition. Automation promotes waste reduction, as do more efficient drying and curing systems and a range of related technologies. Local converters and printers working for global brand owners will already have to meet their global sustainability mandates regarding recyclable packaging and print and measuring and lowering CO2 output.
In what ways do you see Middle Eastern print and packaging businesses embracing digital workflows and automation?
Automation and adoption of digital workflows are key trends for printers, PSPs and package print converters who visit Gulf Print & Pack, and suppliers are all emphasizing these technologies in their offerings at the show.
We will see a continued shift from offset to digital in the commercial printing space across the full range of applications, along with live demonstrations of the fully digital and automated workflows which drive these systems.
AI is making its first appearance in factory management systems and will increasingly be seen in inspection and even in press control systems. Digital transformation is also coming to embellishment for value-added, short run work, including laser finishing, inkjet tactile varnish application and digital foiling and metallization.
About Gulf Print & Pack
Gulf Print & Pack is the leading print technology sourcing show in the MENA region for printers and Print Service Providers (PSPs). The show brings together PSP’s, commercial and packaging printers, designers and print buyers from across the MENA region.
The show attracts visitors with extensive printing capabilities across diverse sectors, including educational materials, photobooks, labels, packaging, and various commercial and production printing applications. Exhibitors leverage the event as a strategic platform to demonstrate their newest machinery, materials, and software innovations.
