Koenig & Bauer is taking stock of an impressive initial result for its ‘AI Empower 25’ programme, which launched in July. Less than five months after the kick-off, the press manufacturer has substantially expanded the internal use of artificial intelligence (AI) and – for the first time in the company’s history of over 200 years – honoured innovative employee projects with the newly established ‘Innovation Award’. With an active usage rate of over 30 per cent among the workforce, the company clearly exceeds common industry benchmarks.
From introduction to widespread application
In July 2025, Koenig & Bauer launched the strategic initiative ‘AI Empower 25’ under the motto ‘The Power Is You!’, aiming to secure competitiveness through the integration of AI technologies from Google. The goal was not merely to provide tools, but to empower employees through targeted training. This strategy is now bearing fruit: “AI has arrived across the board at Koenig & Bauer,” confirms the current evaluation.
Dr Alexander Blum (left), CFO Koenig & Bauer, presents the Award for Strategic Relevance to Samuel Deener, Plant Manager at Koenig & Bauer Industrial, who accepts the prize on behalf of the entire development team
Honouring pioneering work: The Innovation Awards
To honour the commitment of the workforce, the first ‘Innovation Award’ was presented by CFO Dr Alexander Blum on 3 December 2025. This award marks a milestone in the corporate culture and is intended to recognise outstanding innovative spirit at regular intervals in the future – starting with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. The selection of the winners took place in a multi-stage process involving internal committees, external partners, and the AI Gemini itself, to ensure fairness.
The prize for strategic relevance, awarded by the Executive Board, went to the ‘Industrial Nexus’ project – a licence-free platform for the digitalisation of everyday work in production. The programme code was created largely with the help of Gemini – specifically by employees who had never written software code before. This impressively demonstrates how AI breaks down technical barriers and empowers specialist departments to help themselves.
Dr Alexander Blum (right), CFO Koenig & Bauer, and Pascal Kranich (left), Senior Manager Business IT Strategies at Koenig & Bauer, congratulate Florian Stappenbeck (centre), COO of Koenig & Bauer Sheetfed, who accepted the ‘Innovation Award’ in the Employees’ Choice category on behalf of the team
The ‘Innovation Award’ in the Employees’ Choice category, based on a vote by the workforce, went to a project designed to make the time-consuming creation of documentation significantly more efficient and smarter through the use of AI. The tool transforms filmed processes and handwritten notes into finished instructions within minutes.
Cultural change through ‘AI Empower 25’
The 88 submitted use cases bear witness to a profound change in corporate culture. Over 460 ‘AI Champions’ act as multipliers worldwide, which led to over 120 training sessions being held. Surpassing the 30 per cent mark in regular usage is particularly significant here: it means the critical threshold of 20 per cent, which typically marks the transition from a pilot project to being firmly established within the organisation, has been significantly exceeded. This indicates that AI integration is not merely a top-down initiative but is being supported by the workforce.
The project by Vasco A. Sahlbach and Stephan Förster received the most votes from the workforce
This internal success flanks the company’s external efforts. While ‘AI Empower 25’ increases internal efficiency, Koenig & Bauer Kyana continues to focus on the development of AI-based solutions for the market.
For the coming year, Koenig & Bauer plans to collate successful use cases in a central repository in order to sustainably solidify the digital transformation. The aim is to embed this knowledge across the wider organisation: the entire workforce is encouraged to learn from these internal examples so that they can build on them to realise their own AI ideas in their respective specialist departments. This knowledge transfer is being actively supported by accompanying formats for exchange and continuous learning.
Ucimu-Sistemi Per Produrre: The Italian Machine Tool Industry To Close A Rather Stagnant 2025.Manufacturers Expect Moderate Growth For 2026.
After a really complicated 2024, the year 2025 turned out to be rather stagnant for Italian manufacturers of machine tools, robots and automation systems, who saw their production grow moderately. This was slowed down by the export downturn, which was not counterbalanced by the weak recovery in the domestic market activity. The year 2026 will be better, but the forecasts are cautious owing to the highly unstable context. In brief, this is what emerges from the preliminary figures for 2025 and forecasts for 2026 just released by the Studies Dept. & Business Culture Centre of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE.
In particular, in 2025, production stood at 6,420 million euro, reporting a 1.5% increase compared to the previous year.
The year was characterised by a strong contraction in exports, which went down to 3,710 million euro, i.e. 13.2% less than in 2024. Almost all the major markets for Made in Italy products in this sector recorded a negative performance, as a testimony to the difficult international situation.
According to UCIMU’s analysis of the data from the Italian National Statistics Institute (ISTAT), in the period January-August 2025 (latest available data), the main destination markets for the Italian sector offering of machine tools only were the United States (423 million euro, -8.1%), Germany (196 million euro, -29.7%); France (145 million euro, -0.5%), India (135 million euro, -4.2%), Poland (135 million euro, +13.3%).
On the domestic front, the recovery in consumption, which rose by 20.5% to 4,465 million euro, drove the growth in the deliveries from Italian manufacturers on the domestic market, attaining 2,710 million euro, corresponding to 32% more than in the previous year. Although the increases of these two indicators are significant, the results are not very satisfactory because they are still much lower than the values obtained in the previous years.
The export/production figure started to decrease again, stopping at 57.8%.
For 2026, the forecasts prepared by the Studies Dept. & Business Culture Centre of UCIMU show a (still) moderate rise of the main economic indicators. In particular, in 2026, production should grow, reaching 6,590 million euro (+2.6% versus 2025).
This outcome should be determined by the return of exports to positive territory (+0.7% compared to the 2025 figure), totalling 3,735 million euro, as well as by the upturn in the domestic deliveries from Italian manufacturers, which should grow to 2,855 million euro (+5.4% versus 2025), supported by increased domestic demand.
Italian consumption of machine tools, robots and automation should go up to 4,730 million euro, i.e. 5.9% more than in 2025. Imports should also benefit from the recovery in domestic demand, as proven by the forecast figure indicating a 6.8% rise to 1,875 million euro.
The export/production ratio should go down again, standing at 56.7%.
Riccardo Rosa, president of UCIMU, commented
Riccardo Rosa, president of UCIMU, commented: “After a really complicated 2024, 2025 confirmed as the year of trend reversal, with a change from negative to growth, however very modest, recorded in the production figure. Actually, we did not expect it could be exports to weigh down the final outcome, as they did”.
“The international geopolitical instability, the ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, President Trump’s tariff war and the consequent new (dis)order of international trade put our exports under severe strain”.
“On the other hand, the performance achieved by Italian machine tool manufacturers on the domestic market was better than expected, but however, they recovered only a small portion of the ground lost in the previous two years. This was due to the critical issues related to Transition 5.0, which started to be operational with an unforgivable delay, underwent several adjustments, becoming easy to use only in its final months of operation, then suddenly closing more than a month before the deadline set for 31 December”.
“Despite the numerous difficulties encountered – continued President Rosa – the results obtained have demonstrated the usefulness of 5.0, obviously in addition to 4.0, as a measure aimed at supporting investments in new production technologies in Italy”.
“We hope that the incentive measures established by the government bodies under discussion in recent weeks during the drafting of the 2026 Budget Law, will be actually easy to use and quick to implement. We Italian machine tool manufacturers – went on the president of di UCIMU – simply ask for clarity and immediacy. In order to work, the measure must involve little bureaucracy and must be issued and made available from the first weeks of the new year. Only in this way will the measure – which seems overall valid, on paper, as we have seen it – be able to bring real benefits to the country’s manufacturing sector”.
“That said – added Riccardo Rosa – we greatly appreciate the recent announcement of the government regarding its intention to focus on a multi-year duration of the measure. Having a measure available from the beginning of 2026 to 2028 is certainly a wise choice, allowing customer companies to plan their purchases, as well as manufacturers to organise their production, so that they can distribute their work according to their production capacity in the best way”.
“On the foreign front, the weaking of some markets, starting with Germany, which has been overwhelmed by the automotive crisis – the difficulty of sales in the USA, our primary export market, due to tariffs, and the closure of certain areas particularly rich in opportunities, such as Russia, require even more intense work to develop commercial relations with traditional areas and with “alternative” areas, including the countries of the Mercosur region. For this reason, – continued Riccardo Rosa – it is discouraging to read in the newspapers that Italy is among the countries questioning the continuation of the process for the conclusion of the EU-Mercosur Agreement, which has actually reached its final stages. Backtracking now, at a particularly delicate moment for international trade, would be a serious mistake”.
“Also based on this agreement, over the last two years, the Association has boosted its initiatives dedicated to Latin American countries. In addition to exploratory missions carried out in Brazil, conceived to strengthen partnerships with the local system of institutions, companies and representative organisations, UCIMU has started interesting discussions with industrial representative organizations of Argentina in preparation for new collaborations between the industries of the two countries. Moreover, – added President Rosa – we have not overlooked the so-called “associated countries” and “observers” linked to the agreement, as we are confident that these will also offer our companies interesting opportunities. Among the Mercosur associate members, we have focused our attention on Chile where, following a survey mission, a project is being studied to develop a Technology Centre with the participation of local universities. On the other hand, among observers, our focus is on Mexico, where, since the beginning of 2025, the Oficina Italiana de Promotiòn Mexico has been operating as a desk that works to support Italian companies in learning about and penetrating the relevant market, also concerning the area of Central and North America”.
“With regard to Asia, India and Southeast Asian countries are of particular interest to us because they are characterised by very strong growth and a favourable inclination towards us, as proven by the dynamism of the activities supported by the Association: from Desk India to the ITCIndia Network and the IMT Vietnam Network, both of which have just been renewed”.
“Turning our gaze towards Europe, while waiting to see how the German economy and manufacturing industry will respond to the measures implemented by the Merz government, the hope is that the EU will intervene to correct the timing and methods of the transition towards green mobility, so as to avoid the risk of industrial desertification in the Old Continent. In our opinion, the principle of technological neutrality is the only appropriate response to this situation.”
No Christmas without plastics? In fact, there is more of it in the festive season than we realise in the hustle and bustle of preparations. From artificial fir trees to shatterproof tree decorations, from toys to packaging: plastics ensure that our celebrations are safe, colourful, practical – and often more sustainable. We show you 7 things where plastics play an important role at Christmas.
Plastic Christmas trees are durable, easy to care for – and just as festive as real fir trees.
It is THE classic Christmas symbol and an indispensable part of almost every living room in December: the Christmas tree. But instead of buying a real fir tree every year, many families opt for an artificial tree, usually made of polyethylene (PE) or PVC. Modern plastic Christmas trees look deceptively similar to the real thing, do not shed their needles and can be put up again and again every year. Using one for a long time even conserves resources in the long run.
Break-proof plastic baubles combine safety with festive sparkle on the tree.
They shine, sparkle or shimmer with a matte finish: plastic Christmas baubles have long been more than just an inexpensive alternative to glass baubles. Made of polystyrene, acrylic or PET, they are break-resistant, lightweight and durable – making them ideal for households with children or pets. And when it comes to design, they are in no way inferior to glass.
Plastic housings make LED fairy lights safe and weatherproof – indoors and outdoors.
3.Fairy Lights & LEDs – Safe Lighting Thanks to Plastic
Christmas without lights? Hard to imagine. Today, LED fairy lights have replaced traditional tree candles in many households – and for good reason. Instead of open flames, small points of light provide festive sparkle without any fire hazard or wax residue. The light elements are enclosed in heat-resistant plastic housings such as polycarbonate or acrylic, which protect the sensitive technology. The cable insulation is also made of robust plastics that can withstand winter weather when used outdoors.
Plastic cookie cutters and baking aids are simply part of Christmas baking.
4.Plastic Baking Aids – An Indispensable Part of Christmas Baking
Baking is as much a part of Christmas as snow is to December. Many Christmas baking aids are made of plastics: cookie cutters made of PP, silicone mats, piping bags and dough scrapers. These materials are lightweight, hygienic, dishwasher-safe and durable. They make baking easier – and ensure that even little bakers can help out safely.
Gift wrap and bows made of plastic add sparkle under the Christmas tree.
5.Gift Wrapping & Adhesive Tape – With Moderation and Material Awareness
For many people, gifts are a must at Christmas – and so is attractive packaging. Many gift wrappings today contain plastic: shiny coated paper, polypropylene adhesive tape, polyester ribbon. This does not automatically mean waste, as many plastic wrappings can be recycled or reused. Creative alternatives such as boxes made from recycled plastic or reusable packaging are also gaining in popularity. Those who pay attention to sustainable materials can use plastics in a targeted and sensible way.
Plastic bubble wrap protects Christmas gifts on their way through the parcel logistics system.
6.Plastic Packaging and Transport Protection – For Gifts That Arrive Undamaged and On Time for the Holidays
Online shopping is booming – especially before Christmas. Intelligent packaging solutions are needed to ensure that gifts arrive undamaged. Bubble wrap, plastic packaging and recyclable shipping bags made from monomaterials protect sensitive contents. Many manufacturers are now developing packaging that is single-material, recyclable or made from recycled materials. This shows that plastic can not only protect, but also be part of the circular economy.
Plastic toys make children’s eyes light up under the Christmas tree – year after year.
7.Toys Under the Tree – Plastic Ensures Lasting Joy
When children’s eyes light up at Christmas, it is often because of plastic toys. Whether building blocks, cars or dolls: toys made of polypropylene, ABS or, nowadays, bio-based plastics are robust and colourful. Some manufacturers rely on recycled plastics or climate-neutral production. Plastic toys are not disposable products – they can be passed on or recycled for generations.
Whether visible or hidden, plastics contribute to safety and joy in many moments during the Christmas season. With thoughtful use and a growing focus on recycling and material innovation, sustainable accents can also be set during the most festive time of the year.
Dupont Launches Tyvek APX: Advancing Breathable Chemical Protection For Workers
DuPont introduces Tyvek APX, a next-generation disposable chemical garment fabric that delivers exceptional breathability without compromising protection or durability. The new material aims to enhance worker comfort, reduce heat stress and strengthen safety standards across demanding industrial environments.
A New Benchmark in Protective Clothing
DuPont Personal Protection has unveiled Tyvek APX, its most advanced Tyvek material to date. The innovative fabric is engineered to transform the way workers experience comfort and safety in industries such as chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, utilities and heavy manufacturing.
With unprecedented breathability, Tyvek APX allows heat and moisture to dissipate efficiently while maintaining high levels of chemical protection and durability.
Dave Kee, Global Business Director at DuPont Personal Protection, highlights the significance of the launch: “With the launch of Tyvek APX, we’ve created a new and revolutionary form of Tyvek material how to make garments more breathable without sacrificing performance or durability,” said Dave Kee. “Tyvek APX fabric offers an outstanding combination of protection and comfort.”
Meeting Evolving Safety and Well-Being Standards
Worker well-being has become a central focus across global industries. Efficient heat dissipation is essential to prevent overheating, especially in high-intensity or high-temperature environments. As regulations increasingly emphasise worker comfort, heat-stress reduction and ergonomic safety, companies are seeking more breathable protective solutions.
Tyvek APX coveralls deliver:
Advanced moisture management for improved thermal comfort
Science-backed performance, validated through independent studies
“For over 50 years, the DuPont Tyvek brand has defined the category of protective clothing. It is synonymous with safety and trusted innovation,” said Kee. “Now, we are taking that legacy to a new level with Tyvek APX, redefining what it means to feel safe and protected.”
Scientific Validation of Comfort and Performance
DuPont defines comfort as the ability of protective garments to reduce heat build-up and support worker well-being. The performance of Tyvek APX has been scientifically assessed through an independent physiological study conducted by Empa.
The study compared physiological responses of workers wearing traditional chemical protective garments and Tyvek APX garments under varying temperatures and activity levels. Results demonstrated significantly enhanced breathability and wearer comfort with Tyvek APX.
In addition, DuPont conducted global customer wear trials involving nearly 300 participants across diverse industries and climates. The feedback was consistent: workers felt a clear difference in comfort and breathability, even under extreme temperature and humidity conditions.
New Responsibilities At Kraussmaffei: Alex Li And Michael Hofmann Take Over The Management Of The Kraussmaffei Group
Alex Li will take over as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the KraussMaffei Group (KMG). He has been part of the management team as interim CFO since July 2025 and has extensive international experience in financial management and corporate governance.
Alex Li: “I am very much looking forward to the new role. Over the past year, I have had ample opportunity to get to know the business and the team. KraussMaffei is an innovative company, and I look forward to working with all employees to continue shaping the future of KraussMaffei and expanding our position as an innovation leader.”
Alex Li succeeds Chi Zhang, who will return to his previous position as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the KraussMaffei Group. During his two years as CEO, Chi Zhang’s strategic vision has played a decisive role in strengthening KraussMaffei’s global position and consolidating its relationship with Sinochem. In particular, he opened up new growth markets by systematically expanding KraussMaffei’s activities and partnerships in Asia.
Chi Zhang: “I will always have fond memories of my time at KraussMaffei. Together, we have achieved many successes. I am honored to continue supporting KraussMaffei in my new, old role as Chairman of the Supervisory Board.”
Following Alex Li’s move to the role of CEO, the position of CFO will also be filled: Effective March 1, 2026, Michael Hofmann will take over as CFO of KMG. He is transferring to KraussMaffei from the Putzmeister Group, the leading manufacturer of concrete pumps and solution provider for the concrete value chain, where he served as Group CFO and member of the Executive Board. He previously held various management positions in Europe and also China for several years, including CFO and General Management roles in the Diehl Group, a globally active technology enterprise. With his many years of experience in finance and management boards of international industrial companies, Michael Hofmann will strengthen the management team and make an important contribution to the further profitable growth of the KraussMaffei Group.
“I am very much looking forward to my new role and to contribute on the transformation process. I have already met several key members of the global management team and received a very warm welcome from KraussMaffei and the shareholder. KraussMaffei is a major player in the industry and enjoys an excellent reputation – I am delighted to soon be part of it,” says Michael Hofmann.
Yong Li, former Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), will leave the company at the end of the year at his own request and return to China taking up a new position within the Sinochem Group. The position of CAO will not be filled. With his extraordinary commitment, Yong Li has had a significant impact on KraussMaffei’s management since 2023. The Supervisory Board and the entire management team would like to express their sincere gratitude to Yong Li for his inspiration and commitment to the company. We wish him all the best and every success in his new role.
Henkel Adhesive Technologies Joins Global Impact Coalition To Drive Chemical Value Chain Transformation
Henkel Adhesive Technologies, the global leading provider of adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, has joined the Global Impact Coalition (GIC)— a CEO-led platform driving collaborative solutions for a net-zero and circular future. Together, the partners aim to collaboratively unlock new potential to cut emissions and close material loops across the chemical value chain. The entry of Henkel´s Adhesive Technologies business unit extends GIC’s reach downstream by connecting raw-material innovation with industrial market and customer expertise.
Founded by leading global chemical producers and incubated at the World Economic Forum, GIC was created to turn sustainability challenges into commercially viable solutions. With the addition of Henkel as a value chain partner, GIC expands beyond producers to include major users of chemical products — serving as a critical bridge between molecules and markets.
“At a time when the industry is redefining itself under the weight of climate commitments and cost pressure, collaboration is the only credible path forward,” said Charlie Tan, CEO of the Global Impact Coalition. “Henkel’s participation marks a turning point — connecting upstream innovation with downstream demand to make sustainability a source of competitive advantage, not a cost.”
By joining GIC, Henkel Adhesive Technologies will further strengthen and intensify its collaboration activities with chemical producers and recyclers to design scalable, cross-industry projects that reduce Scope 3 emissions, promote safer chemistry, and keep valuable materials in circulation. One such initiative — GIC’s Automotive Plastics Circularity project — brings together leading polymer producers, recyclers, and OEMs to redesign how end-of-life vehicle plastics are recovered and reused. Henkel’s involvement can help transfer insights from industrial adhesives and coatings into broader circularity models that can be replicated across sectors. The business unit builds on its companywide Climate Connect program, a supplier engagement initiative that drives joint decarbonization measures and fosters transparency and innovation along the value chain.
“Circularity and decarbonization are no longer just environmental imperatives,” added Tan. “They’re also economic enablers — and partnerships like this show how the industry can respond with both purpose and pragmatism.” Together, GIC and Henkel will translate this collaboration into action — launching tangible pilot projects, scaling proven models, and strengthening the business case for a circular and low-emission chemical industry.
Plastindia Foundation Holds Roadshow For PLASTINDIA 2026 In Ahmedabad
The Plastindia Foundation on Wednesday held a roadshow for PLASTINDIA 2026 in Ahmedabad, bringing together stakeholders from Gujarat’s plastics and manufacturing sector to outline the industry’s growth outlook. The ‘Bharat Next’ roadmap, targeting a national plastics industry valuation of $50 billion by 2026, was also unveiled on the occasion.
The roadshow, organised in the run-up to PLASTINDIA 2026 scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from February 5 to 10, was attended by senior industry leaders and policymakers. The event was organised in partnership with the Gujarat State Plastic Manufacturers’ Association. Gujarat’s role as a major contributor to India’s plastics production, processing, and exports was a central focus of the discussions, with emphasis on the state’s integrated petrochemical base and established manufacturing clusters.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Harsh Sanghavi said, “PLASTINDIA 2026 marks an important milestone, not only in terms of scale and participation, but also in its emphasis on responsibility and sustainability. Exhibitions are often measured by numbers, but it is encouraging to see a strong focus on recycling and other planned initiatives during the event.”
“The plastics industry market is nearly Rs. 4 lakh crore and provides employment to lakhs of people. It is among the few sectors witnessing sustained growth, with significant opportunities. Gujarat offers a conducive environment for such growth, with assured policy support, investment safety, and long-term returns. The state provides access to raw materials, strong port connectivity, and industry-friendly policies. With Gujarat accounting for over 40% share of the plastics sector, I encourage industry players to consider integrated industrial parks in the state, where the government will extend all necessary support,” he added.
India’s plastics sector has grown steadily over the past decade, expanding from approximately $15 billion in 2010 to over $37 billion in 2023. Exports currently stand at around $10 billion and are projected to reach $15 billion by 2026. The roadshow positioned PLASTINDIA 2026 as a key meeting ground for manufacturers, processors, technology providers, and buyers from India and overseas.
Speaking on the occasion, Ravish Kamath, President of the PlastIndia Foundation, said, “The Indian economy is on course to reach $30 trillion by 2047. The plastics sector will be a primary engine of this growth. Gujarat, with its highly developed petrochemical infrastructure and processing capabilities in hubs like Rajkot, Halol, and Vapi, is uniquely positioned to capitalise on this expansion. PLASTINDIA 2026 is the gateway for Gujarat’s manufacturers to secure global contracts and technology partnerships.”
Alok Tibrewala, Chairman of the National Executive Council of PlastIndia Foundation, said, “The global supply chain is realigning, and the world is looking at India for reliable, high-quality manufacturing. With 2000+ exhibitors and over 6 lakh visitors, PLASTINDIA 2026 offers the scale to demonstrate that Indian manufacturers are ready to meet global demand. For Gujarat’s industrialists, it is the place to be to transition from local dominance to global leadership.”
The roadshow highlighted emerging demand across segments such as packaging, consumer products, infrastructure, and recycling. Sustainability and circular economy practices were discussed as areas of growing focus, particularly in light of India’s expanding waste management and recycling markets, where Gujarat accounts for a significant share of national capacity.
PLASTINDIA 2026 is expected to host exhibitors and visitors from across the world, covering the full value chain of the plastics industry. The exhibition will feature machinery, raw materials, finished products, and processing solutions, alongside knowledge sessions and business interactions aimed at supporting trade, investment, and collaboration.
Building on the success of AZL’s landmark Buildings & Infrastructure study – conducted in 2017 with 32 global companies – this new initiative will reassess established applications and quantify emerging opportunities across markets, materials, and manufacturing technologies. The addressed market segments comprise following, among others: residential/ non-residential buildings and city furniture, infrastructure for energy supply/ water supply/ electricity and heat supply and storage as well as special constructions like airports, ports or train stations.
Based on this preliminary work in which 438 attractive products/ applications/ technologies have been identified and analyzed, this new study will re-evaluate previously identified core applications using fresh 2025 market data, updated growth forecasts, and new competitive benchmarking. Furthermore, AZL will identify and quantify new growth potentials driven by sustainability (circular economy, LCA-driven material choice, bio-composites), by digitalization (e.g., integration with BIM, sensor-equipped “smart” components) and by new applications (e.g., hydrogen infrastructure, modular data centers, etc.).
The 9-month project will deliver a structured market segmentation, technology and value-chain mapping, application screenings, technology trees, fact sheets, comparative KPI matrices, and expert workshops – providing participants with a practical foundation for business development, investment strategy, and innovation planning. Results will be delivered in a comprehensive final report and presentation package. Additionally, the results from the former 2017 B&I study will also be made available in the new study together with the final report and will be used as a basis for discussion and reflection on the results in the course of the new market and technology study.
New Name And Clear Direction For A Growth Region: Pacprocess MEA To Become Interpack MEA
pacprocess MEA will be known as interpack MEA in future and will continue to expand its role within the interpack alliance network. Messe Düsseldorf is thus strategically developing the event and strengthening its presence in the region. interpack MEA will continue to be held alongside Food Africa, creating additional opportunities for exhibitors and visitors to connect.
From 2026, there will be an interpack MEA. Six years after its inception, the former pacprocess MEA is thus focusing even more strongly on the international markets in the region. ‘The new name positions the trade fair as the central hub for the processing and packaging industry in the Middle East and Africa,’ says Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack and the interpack alliance. ‘It reflects the dynamic development of the industry and firmly anchors the event in our global network.’
This was announced during the opening ceremony of pacprocess MEA and the parallel event Food Africa, Africa’s most important food trade fair, which is also part of the interpack alliance. The trade fair duo will take place from 9 to 12 December 2025 at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre in Cairo. More than 1,200 exhibitors from 45 countries will be present, the exhibition grounds are fully booked, and numerous key players are on board. Both events also benefit from the support of the local business community, authorities, associations and Egyptian government organisations. The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Industry, the Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, the Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, and the Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, among others.
Strong partnership combines expertise
Food Africa and the future interpack MEA are organised by Messe Düsseldorf in collaboration with its local partners IFP Group and Konzept. Both contribute in-depth market knowledge, many years of experience and a strong network – a combination that creates optimal conditions for exhibitors and trade visitors.
‘Industry in Egypt and the entire MEA region is investing heavily in efficiency, automation and quality standards. With the new interpack MEA brand, we are creating a link between this growing demand and international solutions that will enable the next step in development,’ says Tamer Safwat, Managing Director at Konzept – Exhibitions & Event Management. ‘With interpack MEA, we offer companies in the region exactly the platform they need for their growth course. We support them in investing more quickly, tapping into new technologies and positioning themselves more successfully in the market,’ says Albert Aoun, Chairman & CEO of IFP Group.
A location of strategic importance
The markets in the Middle East and Africa are among the fastest-growing regions in the global processing and packaging industry. The food packaging market here was worth around 23 billion US dollars in 2024 and is set to grow to more than 33 billion US dollars by 2032. Egypt plays a key role in this: the country is investing heavily in packaging and processing, establishing new production zones and modernising existing facilities. International brands are expanding their capacities, while local companies are professionalising their processes. With an expected market volume of around 4.9 billion US dollars in 2030, Egypt’s packaging market is one of the fastest growing in the world. This creates significant opportunities for innovation, market entry and investment for technology providers, machine manufacturers and material producers.
As interpack MEA, the trade fair continues to gain international appeal – supported by the continuity, trust and global recognition that have characterised the interpack brand for decades. It offers exactly the platform that this growth region needs to translate its potential into concrete projects and partnerships.
The first interpack MEA will take place from 7 to 10 December 2026.
Visitor registration has opened for PRSE 2026, the 10th edition of the Plastics Recycling Show Europe. The global exhibition and conference dedicated to plastics recycling in Europe returns to the RAI Amsterdam, The Netherlands on 5-6 May 2026. Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy at the European Commission will be the conference’s keynote speaker. Over 450 exhibitors from across Europe and the wider world will fill the RAI’s two premier halls 1 & 5. Two feature areas will highlight textile recycling and practical applications of AI technology in plastics recycling.
“Reaching the 10th edition of PRS Europe, is an incredible milestone for our community,” says Matt Barber, Global Events Director at Crain Communications. “What began as a focused industry gathering has grown into the world’s largest plastics recycling event, a testament to the innovation and commitment driving this sector forward. This year, we’re on track once again to fill both halls at the RAI, welcoming over 450 exhibitors and expecting to attract even more than last year’s 13,000 attendees.”
“The plastics recycling industry is facing one of its most profound crises in recent years,” says Ton Emans, President of Plastics Recyclers Europe. “Market pressures and policy uncertainty are testing the entire value chain. In times like these, collaboration and innovation are essential. PRSE 2026 is where our industry comes together to confront these issues head-on, share practical solutions, and strengthen the partnerships needed to make plastics truly circular. This year’s gathering is more vital than ever.”
The two-day conference on the future of plastics recycling in Europe features parallel sessions across two theatres. It opens with Commissioner Roswall’s keynote on restoring competitiveness in Europe’s recycling sector, followed by sessions on food-contact rules, future-ready design, flexible polyolefin circularity, and a panel on how innovation drives investment. Theatre Two will host parallel discussions on voluntary sustainability pledges, improving feedstock predictability, and advancing circularity in construction.
The second day highlights fair competition, niche opportunities in rigid packaging, and the role of traceability in global plastics trade. Theatre Two covers future packaging trends, recycling challenges in end-of-life vehicles, new textile-recycling opportunities, and circular systems for WEEE.
Entries for the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026 close on 5 December 2025, and the winners of all seven categories will be announced at the event on 6 May, with all finalists showcased at the exhibition.
The PRSE 2026 Boat Party sponsored by FIMIC will return for 2026, taking place on the first evening, 5 May. Tickets for the boat party will open for sale in January 2026.
