The eleventh edition of the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair,organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and CIEC Exhibition Company (HK) Limited, will get underway from 27 to 30 April 2016 at the AsiaWorld Expo. Over the past decade, the fair has made its way to becoming an important sourcing and information exchange platform. Not only has it provided one-stop printing and packaging solutions for industry buyers, it has also effectively brought about brand and business development opportunities for the more than 400 exhibitors expected at this year’s event.
Global print output shows a positive outlook. It was projected to reach US$ 870 billion (approximately Rs. 59 lakh crore) in 2015 and is expected to grow 2% each year to 2020. In 2015, the Chinese mainland has become the largest print market as well as major supplier of packaging materials for exports. Hong Kong thus plays a major role in trading given its proximity to mainland China. Together with the Belt and Road initiatives, Hong Kong stands out with its locational advantage and substantial supporting facilities to serve as the trade services platform for its foreign counterparts to tap into the countless business opportunities.
Joining exhibitors from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, mainland China, and Indonesia, which will take part in the fair for the first time, will present a series of printing and packaging products and related technologies which meet the demands of buyers from all walks of life. Ten designated zones are designed to allow buyers to source with ease, some examples are Printing Services, Packaging Services, Digital Printing Equipment, Food and Beverage Packaging Solutions, Integrated Prepress and Trade Services, Integrated Packaging Solutions, Printing and Packaging Equipment and Printing Consumables and Packaging Materials.
Luxury products
The De Luxe Zone will again return this year as the highlighted response to the global upsurge in demand for high-end products and services. Outstanding exhibitors will present a series of premium and innovative printing and packaging solutions including cosmetics packaging, crystal containers, gift boxes, imitation leather sheeting, jewellery and watch boxes, perfume bottles, wine packaging, wooden boxes and cases, as well as decorative touches, branded tags and labels.
Go green
Under the prevailing global environment concerns and more stringent legislation on the use of packaging materials worldwide, adopting environment-friendly practices has become a necessity in the industry. The Green Printing and Packaging Solutions Zone will expand its scope this year to encompass more environment-friendly and cost-effective options with product categories including eco inks, light-weight and flexible packaging, as well as all kinds of bio-degradable, recyclable and eco-friendly products.
A series of seminars will be held during the exhibition focussing on key industry issues such as the latest printing technologies, eco-printing, 3D printing, as well as deluxe packaging, with the aim of interpreting trends and to keep abreast of the latest market information
Adhering to buyers’ interest
Technological innovation is often a crucial driving force to industry advancement as is the ability to catch up with the newest production technologies. In addition to the newest 3D printers and services, security printing, web to print, and advanced anti-counterfeiting solutions will be on show. Other purchasing categories include RFID, shelf-ready packaging, lamination, diecutting, hot-stamping and computer-to-plate systems.
More than just sourcing
A series of seminars will be held during the exhibition focussing on key industry issues such as the latest printing technologies, eco-printing, 3D printing, as well as deluxe packaging, with the aim of interpreting trends and to keep abreast of the latest market information. A networking reception will also be held to serve as the perfect platform for industry players to establish business contacts with their prospective partners. Concurrently held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is the world’s biggest gift event, the 31st HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair. Free shuttle buses will run between the two locations allowing traders to visit both fairs at ease.
Packaging South Asia is the cooperating media partner for drupa 2016 which is scheduled to be held from 31 May to 10 June at Dusseldorf, Germany.
