Paperworld Middle East Highlights Regional Growth and Localisation in Paper and Packaging Sector

The latest edition of Paperworld Middle East brought together key players from the paper and packaging industries across the MENA region, emphasising the growing importance of localisation and strengthened supply chains. Industry leaders, manufacturers, converters, and distributors met in Dubai to discuss market shifts, investment trends, and emerging opportunities in the region’s fast-expanding paper and packaging ecosystem.

Focus on Local Production and Supply Chain Resilience
Speakers underlined that localisation has become essential for maintaining supply stability and reducing dependence on long-distance imports. With the MENA region experiencing rising demand for sustainable and cost-efficient packaging, companies are accelerating investments in regional production capacity, advanced converting technologies, and raw material availability.

Several exhibitors highlighted new facilities and expansion plans across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt — all driven by a desire to strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce exposure to global logistics disruptions.

Sustainability Remains a Priority
Sustainable solutions were central to this year's event, with strong interest in fibre-based packaging, recycled paper grades, and eco-efficient production systems. Industry leaders presented strategies to reduce waste, improve recycling rates, and invest in technologies that align with evolving regional regulations focused on circularity.

Innovation and Market Transformation
The conference sessions showcased the rapid transformation of the regional packaging landscape. Topics ranged from automation and digitalisation to the role of advanced printing and converting technologies in boosting productivity and reducing operational costs. Many companies also demonstrated smart packaging concepts and value-added paper applications gaining traction among FMCG, retail, and industrial buyers.

Strengthening the MENA Packaging Ecosystem
Paperworld Middle East continues to position itself as a strategic hub for the industry, enabling collaboration between global suppliers and regional buyers. With strong attendance and growing exhibitor participation, the event reflects the accelerating development of the MENA paper and packaging market and its evolution into a more competitive, sustainable, and technologically advanced ecosystem.