Shanghai World of Packaging Ready for Restart in 2023

The international trade fair business in China is ready to go, finally offering a platform for the processing and packaging industries in Shanghai again after a hiatus of three years. November 22-24, 2023, swop (Shanghai World of Packaging) will take place with about 700 exhibitors as part of Messe Düsseldorf’s interpack alliance.

Like interpack, this trade fair addresses all core target groups from the sectors of food, beverage, confectionery and baked goods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, non-foods and industrial goods. It covers the entire supply chain of the packaging industry. Its scope ranges from production and processing of packaging materials to primary and secondary packaging as well as packaging printing.

Seizing opportunities in China

According to VDMA (the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association), 34 percent of global packaged food consumption is generated by countries in Asia. In the coming years, a further demand increase of 20 percent is expected, concluding at 337 million tons in 2026. Within the region, China is the largest market for packaged foods with a share of almost 50 percent. The largest product category is dairy, followed by rice, pasta, cooking oils and baked goods. The increasing demand is expected to lead to more investments in machinery in order to increase production capacities. In 2021, food processing and packaging machines worth almost EUR 7.9 billion were imported to Asia.

Visionary concepts and ideas

Several accompanying events and special areas at swop 2023 will offer visitors useful inspiration. The focus will be on the topics of circular economy, conservation of resources, digital technologies and product safety as well as fast-moving consumer goods.

For the first time, swop 2023 will feature the “Green Power Immersive Interactive Exhibitor Area,” a platform for companies to present sustainable packaging solutions for the circular economy. Exhibitors will present powerful components, automated technologies and environmentally friendly packaging management systems.

Increasing digitalization is of equal concern to the packaging industry and will also be a key topic at swop 2023. For example, the trade fair will host a special area for intelligent production systems for packaging and materials.

Innovative packaging solutions to help prevent food waste and ensure product safety will be presented. For the Chinese market, packaging for ready meals is an important topic. There are new packaging materials and technologies that can extend the shelf life of food in the future.

The FMCG Infinity Zone is a cooperation between swop and PKG Family, created as an efficient communication platform for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). This term includes all products that have a high fluctuation in retail, for example consumer goods for everyday use. With rapid socio-economic development and the start of the digital age, consumer desires for customization, emotional appeal, innovation and creativity have become new trends in the FMCG industry. Packaging plays a key part here. At swop 2023, the newest packaging materials, ideas, technologies and design will be exhibited and more than 300 exhibitors will present their products in this FMCG Infinity Zone.

For more information, visit www.mdna.com.