A record line-up of 35 UAE companies are among 299 exhibitors from 40 countries sharing centre stage as the Middle East’s largest stationery, paper, and office supplies trade show opened in Dubai today (Monday 2 March.)
Taking place until 4th March at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, Paperworld Middle East 2015 has grown by 18 per cent year-on-year, with new innovations, niche products, and eco-friendly solutions among the key themes emanating from the three-day event.
The largest ever participation of UAE companies – a 21 per cent jump over the previous year – is complemented by six country pavilions from Germany, Italy, China, Taiwan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, all of which are scouting for fresh business opportunities in the Middle East’s highly-promising market.
Regional paper and board demand is set to reach 9.2 million tonnes by the end of 2015 according to industry researchers RISI, (from 8.1 million tonnes in 2013), while in the UAE, the accelerating growth of SMEs and the education sector is driving demand for stationery and offices supplies.
“The Middle East is growing into one of the more significant markets for paper, stationery and office supplies, driven by ongoing economic development across all sectors,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organiser of Paperworld Middle East.
“Dubai’s thriving trade hub status presents the ideal backdrop for Paperworld Middle East 2015, which itself is a true reflection of what is shaping the future of this rapidly growing and vibrant market.”
With a range of 20 paper and stationery brands in their portfolio, Farook International Stationery is one of the key UAE exhibitors taking part at Paperworld Middle East 2015.
Farook Rahimtulla, President of Farook International Stationery, said: “For 35 years, Farook International Stationery has been responding to the growing demand for Middle East stationery and office supplies with our world-class portfolio of brands.
“Economic growth is fuelling demand, not only in the UAE, but in the wider Middle East and Africa and we look forward to engaging with our existing partners at Paperworld Middle East, whilst also establishing new partnerships as we expand into new markets.”
More than 50 exhibitors have lined up new product launches at Paperworld Middle East 2015, with a large number of them catering to the growing environmental awareness and sustainable production concerns among regional consumers.
Al Gurg Stationery, another UAE powerhouse and regular exhibitor, will showcase its latest products from popular brands such as Perfekt, Edding, Durable, Elba and 3M.
Abdulla Al Gurg, Group General Manager of Al Gurg Stationery, said: “The ability to adjust to changing markets and find product niches will ensure that the paper industry stays relevant in the age of fast-changing technology.
“Being environmentally friendly, with a range of specialty products is the way forward and one that Al Gurg Stationery has adapted through years of experience and expertise.”
Singapore-based Grandluxe is another exhibitor launching its range of Forest Stewardship Council certified Ecowise Note Books and Diaries at Paperworld Middle East’s dedicated Green Office Area.
The eco-friendly pads are made with recycled kraft board and recycled white paper with 30 to 60 per cent post-consumer waste, and printed with vegetable oil inks.
James Quan, Sales and Marketing Director at Grandluxe, said: “The demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products is growing significantly in the Middle East and it’s becoming increasingly clear that consumers are very receptive towards socially responsible products.
“Many companies in the region are also trying to be more sustainable, both in realising profits and promoting a healthier environment. Most consumers describe themselves as eco-conscious, but a large percentage fails to carry this through at the point of purchase. This attitude can be altered by generating more awareness about the short and long term benefits of using sustainable products.”
Generating awareness about caring for the environment runs deep at Paperworld Middle East, as underlined by the brand new Paperworld Recycling Competition that highlights the importance of recycling in schools and promotes the sustainable use of stationery.
The competition features 20 recycled projects made from used paper and stationery items, highlighting the immense potential of recycling in everyday situations. The 20 projects were shortlisted from 169 schools across Dubai, with the ultimate winners to be decided by popular vote from trade visitors at Paperworld Middle East.
Other features of Paperworld Middle East include the Green Office Area, a dedicated section that showcases sustainably produced essential office supplies; Playworld, presenting regional trade buyers with the world of kids’ toys, games, and children’s lifestyle products; and Wrap Star – the region’s only gift wrapping competition, giving employees at regional retail outlets and malls a chance to showcase their gift wrapping skills to a global audience.
