Paper & Tissue One Show Celebrates Under Turbulent Skies
The Paper & Tissue One Show has once again underscored its preeminence in the global pulp and paper industry, culminating in a successful close even as a storm passed through Abu Dhabi. From 16-18 April, 2024, the event welcomed an impressive congregation of visitors from 110 countries at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, reinforcing its status as the industry’s pivotal meeting point.
Despite the Paper & Tissue One Show coinciding with one of the most significant weather events in UAE’s history, the resilience of the event shone through. While the severe weather conditions impacted visitor turnout, it did not deter the most determined industry professionals from attending.
Under the main sponsorship of Saudi Paper Group, with Ittihad Paper Mill (IPM), Crown Paper Mill (CPM), G.A. Paper International, and Abu Dhabi National Paper Mill (ADNPM) also sponsoring key events, the Paper & Tissue One Show unveiled an extensive array of products and innovations. The show featured over 268 exhibitors from 35 countries, including national participations from China, India, Italy, and Turkey, which highlighted their own unique contributions to the pulp and paper industry.
The event was a grand success from the business point of view, with deals exceeding AED 2 billion. The massive AED 1.5 billion deal between Saudi Arabia’s MEPCO and Voith in Austria showcased the event’s pivotal role in facilitating substantial industry partnerships.
The exhibition showcased an extensive range of products across various categories. Attendees discovered the latest in paper jumbo rolls, finished paper products, tissue, chemicals, packaging, hygienic paper, as well as machinery and equipment for converting, cartons, and paperboard, demonstrating the industry’s innovation and versatility.
Abu Dhabi affirmed its position as a global hub for the paper industry in the MENA region through this event. The ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi proved to be an indispensable asset, offering a world-class venue that accommodated the large scale of the exhibition seamlessly. Its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location facilitated meaningful exchanges and business opportunities, further enhancing Abu Dhabi’s role as a central meeting point for industry leaders and professionals from across the globe.
This year, the Paper & Tissue One Show has broadened its reach by inviting key segments such as the vital HORECA sector, supermarkets, hospitals, and mall buyers. This strategic decision acknowledges the indispensable roles these segments play within the industry. Moreover, the event’s hosted buyer programme emerged as a remarkable highlight, attracting over 100 top-tier buyers from around the world. This initiative facilitated direct engagement and fruitful business dealings, amplifying the event’s stature as an international nexus for commerce and innovation within the industry.
In a schedule rich with industry expertise, the Paper & Tissue One Show, set against the backdrop of MENA Pulp Week sponsored by G.A. Paper International, featured Tom Wright, Managing Director at UK-based Hawkins Wright, who provided a detailed analysis on ‘China’s impact on Global Pulp and Paper Markets’. This insightful presentation was followed by a panel discussion with Tarek Elgammal, Alexey Chernyaev, and Tarek Fakkas, who together examined the prevailing trends and challenges in the industry. Complementing these discussions, Brian McClay of Trade Tree Online (TTO) and Brian McClay & Associates (BMA) delivered a compelling presentation on ‘The Outlook for Pulp Markets in a Changing Global Climate’. These sessions collectively highlighted the significance of the pulp and paper industry in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa region, and contributed to the depth of dialogue that characterized the week’s events.
The social highlights of the event included a gala dinner at the enchanting Ritz Carlton, Abu Dhabi, sponsored by IPM and CPM, alongside a welcome dinner hosted by ADNPM, providing excellent opportunities for industry leaders to connect and celebrate the event’s success.
As the event drew to a close, the Paper & Tissue One Show reaffirmed its role as a cornerstone for industry networking, innovation, and business development, looking forward to fostering further growth and connection in future editions.
Işıl Bandakçıoğlu, General Manager at Al Furat Group – the organizers of the event – commented on the relocation and the success of the event: “In every edition, the Paper & Tissue One Show expands, becoming the premier meeting point of the industry in our new home. Based on the feedback from participants, this year we relocated our exhibition to Abu Dhabi. The superior facilities at ADNEC and the region’s role as a hub for the paper industry confirmed that this was the right choice. The positive responses from our surveys and discussions have been gratifying. Next year, we aim to significantly increase our visitor and exhibitor numbers, continuing to grow and reach new heights. We invite all companies looking to grow in the industry to join us at our upcoming fair.”
The next edition of the Paper & Tissue One Show is scheduled for 21-23 January, 2025, at the same venue. For further information on the ongoing early bird registrations and Paper & Tissue One Show 2025, visit www.paperoneshow.net
