NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 11 – Propak East Africa, the premier business-to-business (B2B) exhibition and conference for the packaging, printing, plastics, and food and beverage processing sectors in East Africa, is set to host over 150 exhibitors from more than 35 countries at the Sarit Expo Centre from March 12th to 14th.
Organized by Montgomery Group EA, this year’s edition emphasizes industry innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
Angela Kinyua, Portfolio Director at Montgomery Group EA, anticipates a dynamic event, stating that Propak East Africa 2024 will provide a platform for engagement.
“We are thrilled to welcome attendees to Propak East Africa 2024. This year’s edition will offer a unique opportunity for industry stakeholders to engage with cutting-edge products and services, participate in thought-provoking sessions, and network with key buyers from Kenya, East Africa, and around the globe,” she elaborated.
Addressing pressing challenges, including the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions, the event aims to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Concerns about plastic waste are particularly highlighted, with projections indicating a substantial increase if no intervention is taken.
According to statistics, an equivalent of over 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic find their way into our oceans, rivers, and lakes each day, a number that is tipped to triple by 2060.
A 2020 study published in Science Advances estimates that by 2040, Africa will mismanage 250 million tons of plastic waste if the current trend continues.
Kinyua acknowledged the significance of sustainability in the industry, emphasizing that Propak East Africa 2024 will include discussions on circularity, designing for recyclability, and extended producer responsibility.
These topics underscore the industry’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
The exhibition will showcase advancements across the value chain, including packaging materials, machinery, printing technologies, and food processing equipment, with live demonstrations providing attendees with firsthand experiences of innovations.
The accompanying conference will focus strongly on sustainability, with events such as the ‘Eastern Africa Packaging Summit’ and the ‘AfriStar Awards’ recognizing innovative packaging solutions developed in Africa.
Propak East Africa has received support from various organizations, including the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Industry, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
With East Africa’s stable economy and continued growth, the region is positioned to lead Africa’s market, attracting international companies and investments.
