Packaging, Labelling to Take Centre Stage at GPP 2025
Even as the printing and packaging industry in the MENA region is gearing up for the inaugural Gulf Print & Pack to be held in Riyadh from 14-16 January, 2025, a recent study shows the huge potential of the digital printing market in Saudi Arabia.
E-commerce Boom Triggers Upswing in Saudi Packaging & Labelling Market
The boom in e-commerce platforms triggered by a consumer economy has helped packaging companies to flourish. Growing demand for personalised and visually appealing packaging, especially in the F&B sector has increasingly favoured companies that are into label manufacturing, particularly digitally printed labels.
The Saudi paper and cardboard packaging market, fuelled by the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions, is currently estimated around $2.22 billion and is expected to reach $2.84 billion, at a 4.24% CAGR during the 2024-2029 forecast period. The upswing is attributed to the boom in e-commerce platforms and increased consumer awareness regarding sustainable packaging.
In comparison, the Saudi plastics packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% and reach $20.52 billion by 2030.
The Saudi food market is also experiencing a major transformation, with its volume expected to jump from $14.16 billion to a robust $30.47 billion by 2029.
Demand for Digitally Printed Labels
The rise in online shopping has further fuelled the demand for digitally printed labels as retailers seek to cresate niche value for their products through unique and eye-catching packaging. Additionally, regulatory requirements have made it imperative for manufacturers to invest in high-quality labelling.
The label printing market worldwide reached $40.23 billion in 2021, growing at 3.6% yearly to reach $46.78 billion in 2025. In a multi-technology environment with conventional and digital solutions, the digital volume is counting for approx. 12%, with 30% in terms of value.
Saudi Arabia’s Digital Printing Market Growth Potential
As the MENA region’s graphic arts and packaging industries gear up for the first Gulf Print & Pack exhibition in Saudi Arabia next year, a new report demonstrates the astonishing growth potential of the Saudi digital printing market.
Compiled by market research firm Astute Analytica, the report predicts that the Saudi digital print sector will generate revenues of $766.58 million by 2032, up from $351.33 million in 2023, at a CAGR of 9.24% during the forecast period 2024-2032.
This surge in demand for digital printing solutions in Saudi Arabia is largely driven by the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil with a commitment to sustainability at its core.
Global Leaders Join Regional Suppliers to Display Cutting-edge Technologies
As a one-stop-shop for narrow and mid-web printing, leading packaging solutions provider BOBST (Stand A3) will present its complete portfolio of products and services for label and packaging production at Gulf Print & Pack 2025. The DIGITAL MASTER 340/510 All-in-One and DIGITAL EXPERT 340 presses will be some of the highlights.
“The expandable and modular All-in-One solution offers flexibility and agility to address a wide range of applications with a single piece of equipment, while our flexo portfolio offers a high level of automation for greater efficiency and higher productivity,” explains Khaled Joundi, Zone Business Director Middle East, Egypt & Pakistan, BOBST.
“Developments in label production are moving at pace with brand owners looking for converters that could deliver faster, better, and at more competitive prices. In this context, the BOBST All-in-One platform and the in-line flexo presses produce labels of high-quality with exceptional productivity and at lower costs, from short to long runs,” adds Patrick Graber, Product & Marketing Director at BOBST.
Canon (Stand E13), another technology giant participating in Riyadh, will be out with an impressive portfolio of both conventional and digital printing solutions for a range of applications.
For the interior décor sector, Canon will feature the Arizona series for rigid media, the UVgel/Colorado M-series for high-productivity roll-to-roll printing, and the imagePROGRAF series for premium photo and fine art applications, all supported by the PRISMA XL Suite workflow software, enabling Print Service Providers (PSPs) to manage diverse customer needs efficiently.
Canon will also highlight the varioPRINT 6330 TITAN and imagePRESS V1000 for high-quality colour book production alongside PRISMA workflow solutions for enhanced efficiency, and the ColorStream 8000 series demonstrating production efficiencies.
In digital packaging printing, Canon will showcase its UVgel Packaging Factory – built on the Colorado M-series and Neolt technology – enabling on-demand corrugated packaging production, and the Arizona 1360 FLXflow for short-run packaging needs.
For commercial print and promotional communications, Canon will have a virtual demonstration of the varioPRESS iV7 B2 press and LabelStream LS2000. Additionally, the imagePRESS V1350 will showcase Canon’s end-to-end workflow capabilities.
Ayman Aly, Marketing Director, Canon EMEA, says, “We believe traditional offset printing and digital workflows complement each other. By offering technologies that enhance existing offset operations alongside cutting-edge digital solutions, we are well-positioned to support businesses at various stages of their digital transition. This comprehensive approach enables Canon to bridge the gap between traditional and modern printing methods, capitalising on the Kingdom’s diverse and expanding print market.”
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Middle East (Stand F13) is another major participant in the Riyadh event. The digital printing solutions provider is excited to showcase its commitment to sustainability and innovation by presenting the latest solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
Osamu Miyauchi, CEO and Managing Director, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Middle East, speaks about a combination of technologies and ideas. “Our strength lies in strong technical products such as digital press to inkjet, packaging, labelling through embellished printing. In these combinations with our technologies, I believe we can provide our customers innovation.”
Eileen Azurin, Communications Manager/Marketing Head at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Middle East, says, “Visitors can expect cutting-edge digital presses, advanced inkjet technologies, and smart workflow solutions that enhance print quality, efficiency, and sustainability.”
“Following its great success in Dubai, Gulf Print & Pack is crucial for the regional printing and packaging industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event will drive innovation, highlight cutting-edge technologies, and create essential networking opportunities for industry leaders that will significantly contribute to industry growth and enhanced market competitiveness,” adds Kazim Mankani, Area Business Manager at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Middle East.
Hinting at what Gulf Print & Pack 2025 means for the industry and the future of the Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Fayez, General Manager at Al-Kharafi Co. for Paper & Printing Equipment (Stand C17), says, “The packaging market currently is very promising, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on track to become an important regional hub in the coming years.” The Riyadh-based supplier of offset and digital printing presses will be showcasing a digital printer that prints on multiple surfaces using an eco-friendly ink and a China-made CTP.
Label supplier Lawaseq is upbeat about the coming decade for the printing and packaging industry and is looking ahead to significant business growth in the Kingdom.
Lawaseq CEO Asem AlFayez says, “The packaging and label sector is well-positioned to take advantage of the significant opportunities for business development, which will inevitably follow, despite the current fierce competition that has impacted margins significantly.”
Lawaseq’s product range includes self-adhesive labels, including RFID tags; wrap around labels; in-mould labels; printed packaging tapes; printed sticky notes; and thermal transfer ribbons.
Visitor Information
Date: 14-16 January, 2025.
Venue: Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC).
Location: RFECC is only a few minutes’ drive (23 km) from King Khalid International Airport. Taxi service is available from the airport. The venue enjoys seamless connectivity to key transportation hubs. This prime location is just minutes away from the city’s premier hotels and vibrant malls.
Opening Timings: 12 noon – 8 pm (all days).
For further details, log on to www.gulfprintpack.com
