Middle East: Flexo leads the charge

Among the most prominent trends in this shift is the growing adoption of flexo technology, a versatile and efficient tool for meeting the evolving needs of brand owners, converters, and consumers alike. According to Grand View Research, the flexographic printing market in the Middle East and Africa is expected to reach a projected revenue of USD 1,027.7 million by 2030. A compound annual growth rate of 4.7 percent is expected of the Middle East and Africa flexographic printing market from 2024 to 2030.

Increased demand for high-quality packaging

Thomas S. Andersen, area sales manager at Nilpeter says: ‘The demand for flexo technology rose significantly in MEA as brands and converters sought high-quality, efficient solutions for flexible packaging. Flexo and inline combination machines have been pivotal in meeting these needs, especially in segments such as food and personal care, where speed and quality are paramount.’

As demand grows for smaller runs in flexible packaging, particularly for jobs requiring less than 500kg, the MEA region is seeing a surge in the use of mid-web flexo presses. 
‘Neither digital nor wide web gravure could meet the cost demands of the brand owners and the only solution providers are the converters with mid-web flexo presses. Nilpeter with 430/480/575/670mm wide presses are the right fit to such a growing segment,’ explains Manu Muraleekrishnan, regional business manager at Nilpeter.

Another significant development in the MEA region is the rising demand for narrow and mid-web presses, particularly for in-line board packaging production. Andersen highlights that these presses are favored for their ability to streamline production processes, improving efficiency while adding value to the final product.

Sustainability and automation

Sustainability continues to be a top priority for the packaging industry, and flexo technology is well-positioned to support this shift. Its compatibility with environmentally friendly substrates and inks makes it a suitable platform for converters looking to adopt more sustainable practices.

‘In the MEA region, particularly among key converters, there's growing interest in solvent-free inks and substrates that enable recyclability, with flexo offering an adaptable platform for sustainable packaging solution,’ says Muraleekrishnan. 

To keep up with the rising demand for speed and cost efficiency, converters in the MEA region are increasingly investing in automated flexo technology. This trend towards automation is helping to streamline production processes, reduce downtime, and optimize resource use, enabling converters to meet market demand with fewer resources.

In 2024, the MEA label and flexible packaging industry is aligning closely with global trends toward high-quality, sustainable, and automated packaging technology. Flexo technology continues to play a critical role in meeting these demands, providing MEA converters with the competitive edge and versatility needed to adapt to an ever-evolving market landscape.

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