PROPAK AFRICA: Innovate, Collaborate, Grow

In the centre of Gauteng, South Africa’s business heartland, the Johannesburg Expo Centre was buzzing with activity in March as Propak Africa came to town. This busy and exciting event provided a platform for businesses in the packaging, processing, printing, labelling, and recycling industries to showcase the best Africa has to offer.

Sustainability and innovation were the key themes for the 2025 show, and a number of new products were launched with industry experts giving speeches and seminars on important topics.

Organised by Specialised Exhibitions, a division of Montgomery Group, Propak Africa is one of the largest trade shows in the sector for southern Africa. With more guests and exhibitors than others, the conversations that happen at Propak drive progress to secure lasting relationships. The whole event, between 7–10 March, was designed for professionals who want to innovate, collaborate, and grow.

“It is viewed by industry as one of the most important events on the calendar,” says Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions. “It is a platform for trade; the place where buyers and sellers meet to do business. Taking place every three years, it is an opportunity to showcase the latest industry trends, innovations, new product launches, and live demonstrations of new machinery on the stands.”

The 2025 exhibition was co-located with Pro-Plas Expo, the GAPP Print Expo, FoodPro Expo, and Pro-Label Expo with more than 500 exhibitors promoting new products and ideas.

“The trade show offered exhibitors access to thousands of decision-makers, providing invaluable opportunities to generate quality sales leads and build brand recognition. Companies can engage directly with prospective new customers, gain an understanding of market needs, form partnerships, elevate brand awareness and launch new products,” says Anderson.

This year, there were significant technology displays for the industry including a new pouch-making system designed for recyclable materials from Adex Plastics & Machinery; an impressive portfolio of thermoformed and die-cut containers from Lovell Industries; the new sustainable films range from IPAK; Bidvest Packaging offered up a range of new aluminium and PVC products; and Zibo Containers’ new Econo Meat Tray vacuum skin range. On the machinery side, Ishida presented its award-winning QX-500 tray sealer, Microsep showed its new Mettler Toledo automated product inspection and smart weighing technologies; Filmatic Packaging Systems displayed bottle unscrambler machinery; and Somex showcased Laboratory Inspection Systems for major beverage producers. South Africa’s leading manufacturer of self-adhesive label-stock, Morgancoat, was also present to meet potential clients and talk about its ongoing innovation around sustainability.

“Propak Africa is an immersive experience, connecting firsthand with on-site technical experts and engaging with the people behind the technologies and strategies shaping the future of the industry,” confirmed Anderson, adding that the event was supported by local associations who helped to shape direction.

Importantly, as 15,000 individuals came together to discuss trends, the key topics of innovation and sustainability were addressed. Monumental changes have been made in the packaging, processing, printing, labelling, and recycling industries in recent years, and the flux continues with a transformed sector expected to change further before the end of the decade.

“Plastic packaging plays a crucial role in South Africa’s supply chains, particularly in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. While its durability and cost-effectiveness make it essential, the conversation around sustainability is reshaping the industry,” says Anderson. He highlights the cutting-edge ideas showcased at Pro-Plas as vital for ongoing sustainability.

“Consumers and businesses are demanding more eco-friendly packaging, and industry leaders are answering the call.”

The demand for product from these industries has skyrocketed, in part due to changes in consumer behaviour and modern legislation, but also thanks to the modern need for fresh produce to stay fresh, and delivery of groceries and fast food to be secure.

“As the food and beverage industry grows, so does the demand for safe, traceable food packaging solutions. Recent shifts in consumer behaviour towards more nutritionally rich and convenient beverages for health benefits, as well as a growing demand for plant-based, lactose-free alternatives are driving growth in the sector. The bakery sector is seeing growing demand for ready-to-eat bakery products. All these new automated product lines require advanced industrial weighing and product inspection solutions to ensure product quality and safety, while protecting consumer trust, brand integrity and manufacturer reputation,” says Anderson.

He further states that advances in the printing industry have been rapid, with AI already growing its influence.

“Smart printing devices equipped with AI capabilities will be able to monitor and optimise printing processes in real-time. While 3D printing has made significant strides, its true potential is yet to be fully realised. In the future, we can expect the mainstream adoption of 3D printing technologies. This shift will not only make 3D printing more accessible but will also lead to expanded applications across industries. Sustainable printing aims to minimise the environmental impact of printing by using eco-friendly materials, certified paper, reducing waste, and optimising energy throughout the entire printing process.”

These changes and advances were discussed in detail at Propak Africa, and the key takeaway was that change is the constant, and leaders must find ways to stay ahead of the curve. One of the only proven ways to do so is to partner and collaborate with the best, and invest in research and development so that a business can go above and beyond for customers.

Propak Africa came at an important time for the industry. A range of factors including competition, urbanisation, evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainability concerns have shifted the goalposts for companies. Perhaps cost is the most important driver of participation as many look for ways to reduce and smooth their fixed costs while achieving improved efficiency. “Automation and digitisation have accelerated across industries as companies recognise the need to invest in smarter solutions, products, and services to stay competitive,” says Anderson. 

Thankfully, Propak Africa has always been able to attract modern, pioneering exhibitors, speakers, and delegates, and shows no signs of slowing down since its first exhibition in 1984.

“There were 200 exhibitors at Propak Africa in 2022, whereas there are over 500 at this year’s event. 8,902m² net space was the footprint of the 2022 show, compared to over 15,000m² net space at this year’s show,” highlights Anderson.

For the hosting team, and for all of those who attended, Propak Africa has again been a major success. Not only because of the relationships that were made and the business that was concluded, but also from an event perspective where technology was utilised like never before to manage communication and people flow.

“Propak Africa is a must-attend for packaging professionals looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry,” Anderson concludes. “It’s an opportunity to explore new materials and technologies, gain expert insights, and make valuable connections that will drive business success.”

The next event takes place in March 2028, again at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. Book a stand today and talk to the team about sponsorship opportunities.