NAIROBI, Kenya- The 10th edition of the Propak East Africa Expo has concluded in Nairobi with sustained calls for collaboration among industry stakeholders to fast-track the adoption of eco-packaging solutions.
The three-day event brought together over 150 exhibitors from 35 countries, drawing over 5,500 visitors and spotlighting the critical role sustainable packaging plays in the region’s rapidly expanding economy.
The expo showcased technological advancements in the packaging, printing, processing, and plastics sectors, while also highlighting the regulatory, infrastructural, and logistical challenges that continue to hinder progress.
Angela Kinyua, Managing Director at Montgomery Group East Africa, emphasized the significance of regional collaboration, adding that this will have far-reaching effects on economies.
“We’ve had a successful Expo, and one of the key takeaways is the urgent need for standardization and alignment across East African markets,” said Kinyua.
“When a manufacturer has to redesign packaging to meet different national standards within the same region, it creates unnecessary barriers. Harmonizing these standards will foster growth and innovation.”
She pointed to rising trends in flexible packaging and cold chain solutions in the food and beverage sector, and noted that East Africa’s plastics industry is increasingly looking to South Africa for benchmarking and guidance.
On his part, Koffi Essuman, Vice President of Education at the World Packaging Organization (WPO underscored the value of sustainable packaging in modern business.
“Companies are under increasing pressure from both regulators and consumers to adopt eco-friendly practices,” said Essuman.
“Eco-packaging not only meets compliance demands but also enhances brand reputation and long-term business success.”
Panel discussions throughout the event reinforced the need for harmonized regulations to manage packaging waste, particularly as regional markets expand. This aligns with global concerns highlighted in the World Bank’s “What a Waste 2.0” report, which states that more than 2 billion metric tons of municipal solid waste are generated annually, with a third of it mismanaged. The report projects that global waste generation could climb to 3.4 billion metric tons in the coming decades.
