The global packaging market is worth $600 billion making it the world’s third largest industry, with the overall value equating to $100 per capita and an annual growth rate of over five per cent, according to Rajiv Dhar, the secretary-general of the Asian Packaging Federation (APF).

His comments came in a presentation he made in Dubai to members of the local packaging industry. The meeting had been arranged to set the foundations for a UAE industry group during a visit to the country by a senior delegation from the APF including the organisation’s president, Dharmatilake Ratnayake. The initiative was instigated by the organisers of this year’s Gulf Pack exhibition, Fairs & Exhibitions Ltd, and the meeting took place with representatives from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, along with the fast-developing Dubai International Media Production Zone (Dimpz).
The APF visit to Dubai coincided with the organisation’s own annual board meetings which were held with the support of both Gulf Pack and Dimpz. This was the first time the group had visited the Gulf area and, according to Ratnayake, their impressions were very positive.
Commenting on behalf of Dimpz, Mohammed Binghalib, project director, explained that his organisation was keen to support the packaging industry by all means possible. “The link between the packaging and print industries is clear; we will ensure every co-operation is extended to the APF in its ambitions to form an industry group in the same way we already work with around six similar organisations.”
Dimpz provides facilities for investors to benefit from its free-zone status. These will be on show at the Dimpz stand at this year’s Gulf Pack exhibition, which takes place at the Airport Expo, Dubai, from September 19 to 22.
The meeting concluded with a call to the packaging industry to establish a representative 10- to 12-member steering committee. This will include manufacturers, converters, end users and associated industries such as designers and printers. It was also agreed that representatives from a local college and from the DCCI and Dimpz should be invited to participate.
According to Sharla Hancock, project manager of Gulf Pack, “the aim will be to have the first UAE packaging industry group meeting, held at this year’s show, inaugurated by both the president of the APF and the president of the World Packaging Organisation. This year’s Gulf Pack exhibition and seminars are set for 19 - 22 September and provide an ideal launch platform for the UAE group.”
While both APF and the WPF were taking part in Gulf Pack, they would be asked to involve themselves with the event’s packaging awards, said Hancock.