Shift in consumer trends and lifestyle choices driving demand for more sustainable packaging solutions in multi-million dollar sector

Dubai, UAE: Environmental protection, responsible natural resource management and animal welfare are increasingly weighing on the minds of consumers as the global food industry strives to continue producing enough food to service a rapidly growing global population that is estimated to reach 9.7 billion by 2050.

According to an international survey by Unilever earlier this year, 33 per cent of consumers are now choosing to buy only from brands they believe are doing social or environmental good. With the UAE holding the largest market share in the Middle East and Africa’s (MEA) active and intelligent packaging market, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence, this week’s Gulfood Manufacturing 2017 played an important role in showcasing how providers are meeting the evolving consumer demand for more sustainable, resource-efficient products.

The same Mordor Intelligence report states the region’s packaging market is poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.23 per cent to reach USD504.76 million by the end of 2021 and exhibitors at Gulfood Manufacturing are eager to show they have the answers to satisfy the expanding sector.

KHS, a leading German manufacturer of filling and packaging systems for the beverage, food and non-food industries - recently launched a new lightweight polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle that weighs in at just 5 grams. The new lightweight bottle has resulted in a reduction of materials by about a third in comparison with the previous lightest bottle on the international market, which will significantly reduce the firm’s carbon footprint.

Meinhard Fischer, Head of Technical Sales and Project Planning, said:  “Our customers are becoming more and more environmentally conscious and we work closely with both our customers and partners to develop sustainable packaging solutions that reduce weight, cut costs and protect the environment.”

With sustainable packaging being one of the biggest disruptors in the industry over the next decade, major Saudi Arabia player Napco National has returned to this year’s show to exhibit a range of food and beverage sustainable packaging solutions and engage with food and beverage manufacturers about packaging raw materials and recyclable products.

ROTOPAK debuted its new BOX-to-GO line, a ready-packaging solution serving the food takeaway and delivery industries. The innovative line is paper-based, eco-friendly, food-contact safe and has been designed for small to medium sized takeaway companies requiring ready printed packaging or plain packaging with customized labels.

It is not just traditional food and beverage manufacturers driving the desire for sustainability across the industry. Automotive manufacturers are exhibiting how they are leading the way in powering sustainable transport solutions in the supply chain.

Ford is showcasing its versatile Transit Custom chiller van at Gulfood Manufacturing 2017. Working closely with RTS, Thermo King’s distributor in the UAE, Ford has retrofitted the Transit Custom with refrigerator solutions, demonstrating its suitability for a range of applications, from meat and seafood transportation, to floral delivery and more.

 “The Ford Transit Custom is equipped with a powerful, yet economical, 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. Low running costs and the class-leading fuel economy of 14.2 km/l for Ford’s Transit Custom refrigerated van offers significant savings in fuel costs and is a perfect partner for any business, supporting Gulfood Manufacturing 2017 sustainability solutions.”, said Terry Rayner, director of Commercial Vehicles at Ford Middle East and Africa.

Gulfood Manufacturing 2017 featured more than 1,600 local, regional and international suppliers and industry service providers from 60 countries and 30 official country pavilions.

About Gulfood Manufacturing

www.gulfoodmanufacturing.com

Launched in 2014, Gulfood Manufacturing is a sector-specific trade exhibition for ingredients, processing, packaging and food logistics providers who service the rapidly growing food and beverage production industries established in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Far East and Sub-Continent. The event provides food manufacturers with the ingredients, equipment and business improvement tools that enable more efficient production and distribution. Gulfood Manufacturing has five focused sectors namely Ingredients, Processing, Packaging, Automation and Controls and Supply Chain Solutions. Gulfood Manufacturing 2017 takes place from 31 October - 2 November 2017.

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

www.dwtc.com

DWTC brings more than 35 years’ experience delivering world-class events in the Middle East and provides local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises more than 20 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region. Our commitment to on-going innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.

For more information, please contact:         
Naina Chaudhary
MCS/Action
T: +971 4 3902980
M: naina.c@actionprgroup.com

© Press Release 2017