Smithers, a global leader in providing events, market intelligence, consulting, testing, and compliance services, is delighted to see the return of Sustainability in Packaging MENA, the newest addition to its renowned series of events in Europe, the USA, Asia, and Latin America. Following a successful inaugural event, Sustainability in Packaging MENA will take place for the second consecutive year on 21-22 May 2025 at the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The event will spotlight Smithers’ global expertise in packaging and offer a comprehensive exploration of sustainable packaging practices within the rapidly evolving Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With a growing focus on sustainable packaging, this conference will feature invaluable insights, case studies, and a deep dive into the future of packaging in the MENA region.
According to the latest market intelligence from Smithers’ industry report, The Future of Global Packaging to 2028, Africa and the Middle East are among the fastest growing packaging markets worldwide. These emerging markets, alongside Asia and South & Central America, are expected to outpace global packaging market growth over the next five years. Despite relatively low per capita packaging consumption rates in most countries across the MENA region, the forecast for growth is strong, with increasing adoption of sustainable packaging solutions as a key driver.
As sustainability becomes more prominent in the packaging industry, brands in the MENA region are transitioning from plastics to more eco-friendly packaging options such as board and paper-based products. This evolving landscape presents exciting opportunities for market expansion and collaboration.
The Sustainability in Packaging MENA event will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the entire value chain, including packaging manufacturers, brand owners, regulators, and environmental organisations, to discuss critical topics such as:
Agenda Highlights:
- REGIONAL AND GLOBAL PACKAGING MARKET TRENDS: Session 1 covers regional and global packaging market trends, with a focus on sustainability in the Middle East. It provides an overview of the global packaging industry's current and historical market volumes, values, and regional dynamics. The session will explore key drivers, including consumer attitudes and trends, and forecast future market growth. It also compares the MENA region's single-use plastic ban with Europe's, discussing its impact on the packaging industry in the Middle East and Africa.
- EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY (EPR) AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS IN THE MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA & EUROPE: Session 2 focuses on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and regulatory frameworks in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. It covers the UAE's EPR pilot for packaging waste and lessons learned from Europe on the impact of EPR schemes for reducing, reusing, and recycling. The session will explore the need for a clear legal framework, the role of Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and concrete examples of successful EPR actions. A panel discussion will provide insights on how stakeholders can collaborate and learn from each other’s experiences in implementing EPR schemes.
- WASTE MANAGEMENT INFRASTRUCTURES IN THE MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA –COLLABORATIONS AND INVESTMENTS: Presentations will cover the state of recycling infrastructure, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in collection and sorting across the region. A specific focus will be on the closed-loop recycling of PET plastic bottles in the UAE. Additionally, a panel discussion will bring together key stakeholders from the value chain to explore the opportunities and challenges of increasing aluminium can recycling rate.
- DESIGNING FOR RECYCLABILITY: This session focuses on designing for recyclability, exploring topics like mono-material packaging, alu-free packaging, and the use of recycled content. It will cover recycling and engineering compounding within a circular economy, as well as the next big leaps in packaging solutions.
- MATERIAL INNOVATIONS AND CIRCULARITY: Focusing on barrier packaging that improves shelf life and reduces costs. Topics in this session include the benefits of gas barrier and EVAL®, as well as examples of packaging that enhances shelf life while cutting costs. The session also explores setting up top-quality factories in Africa, PLANTIC® for compostable and recyclable packaging, and innovations in plastic modification additives for lighter, faster PP thermoformed packaging. A joint Q&A session with speakers will provide further insights into these advancements.
- PPWR AND GLOBAL EFFORTS TO COMBAT PLASTIC WASTE: Learn about the need for international rules and harmonised regulations. It covers the status of UN negotiations on a global plastics treaty, business calls for regulatory consistency, and key policy instruments for governments. The session will explore how the Business Coalition can help companies engage with policymakers and navigate challenging PPWR regulations, along with targets for reduction, reuse, and recycling in the European market.
- SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES IN A CIRCULAR ECONOMY: This session covers sustainable alternatives in a circular economy, focusing on bioplastics, biodegradation, and disposal options like recycling and composting. It highlights the role of bioplastics in reducing carbon footprints and supporting the Middle East’s transition to sustainability. The session also discusses the need for infrastructure, food waste separation, and the UAE’s efforts towards net-zero emissions by 2050, including the growth of bioplastics, such as PLA, in the region.
- BRANDS AND RETAILERS PERSPECTIVES: Featuring a panel discussion with major brands and retailers, offering insights into their perspectives on sustainability, packaging, and waste management. Key industry leaders will share their approaches to circular economy practices, challenges, and innovations in reducing environmental impact.
- NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN MECHANICAL RECYCLING AND
FOOD CONTACT MATERIALS (FCM): Learn about new developments in mechanical recycling and food contact materials (FCM). Covering practical solutions and case studies for plastic recycling, upcycling, and designing safe packaging. The session will also explore new technologies, validation processes, and testing, including IAS and NIAS, along with a recycler’s perspective through a case study. - NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN CHEMICAL RECYCLING IN MENA REGION: Session 10 will explore new developments in chemical recycling in the MENA region, focusing on accelerating circular packaging through advanced recycling. It covers the incorporation of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in contact-sensitive applications, successful case studies, and the challenges in the region. The session will dive into various chemical recycling methods for PET, including pyrolysis, hydrolysis, and glycolysis, discussing their environmental impact, economic viability, and scalability. A particular focus will be on glycolysis, its efficiency in recycling PET, and a joint Q&A with speakers.
- DIGITAL INNOVATIONS: Session 11 focuses on digital innovations transforming packaging into an interactive medium for consumer engagement. It covers technologies like AI, connected packaging, and variable data printing to personalize experiences and drive sustainability. The session explores how AI and tools like GPT-4 and DALL-E 2 are changing consumer behaviour, supporting environmental goals, and offering brands new opportunities for differentiation and ROI.
Confirmed attendees include industry leaders such as representatives from Coca-Cola, Mars, Kraft Heinz, Mondelez International, Unilever, CJ Biomaterials, SABIC, Citeo, Napco National, Kuraray, Synthomer, Hotpack Packaging Industries, Circular Packaging Association, Black Forest Solutions, Koenig & Bauer, Federation of Saudi Chambers, and ASASE Foundation, among others.
Sustainability in Packaging MENA will provide an essential platform for discussions on the future of packaging in the MENA region, enabling companies to learn, collaborate, and drive forward the transition to sustainable packaging solutions.
For more information about the event and registration details, please visit www.sustainability-in-packaging.com/mena.
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