swop resumes exhibition in China

Ready to support global processing and packaging industries, swop 2023 returns to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) on November 22-24 November.

Under the interpack alliance umbrella brand, swop (Shanghai World of Packaging) addresses the target groups from the food, beverages, confectionery and baked goods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, non-foods and industrial goods sectors. It covers the entire supply chain of the packaging industry. Its scope ranges from production and processing of packaging materials to primary and secondary packaging as well as packaging printing.

In 2019, swop recorded over 700 exhibitors and 25,000 global visitors. This year, the expectations remain optimistic as organisers Adsale Exhibition Services and Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai prepare 62K sqm of exhibition space at the SNIEC.

Seizing opportunities in Asia, China

According to VDMA (the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association), 34% of global packaged food consumption is generated by countries in Asia. In the coming years, a further demand increase of 20% is expected, culminating at 337 million tons in 2026. Within the region, China is the largest market for packaged foods with a share of almost 50%. The largest product category is dairy, followed by rice, pasta, cooking oils and baked goods. The increasing demand is expected to lead to more investments in machines in order to enlarge production capacities. In 2021, food processing and packaging machines in the amount of almost EUR 7.9 billion were imported to Asia.

Visionary concepts and ideas

Several accompanying events and special areas at swop offer visitors useful inspiration. The focus is on the topics of circular economy, conservation of resources, digital technologies and product safety as well as fast-moving consumer goods.

For the first time, swop 2023 will have the “Green Power Immersive Interactive Exhibitor Area”, a platform for companies to present their sustainable packaging solutions for the circular economy. In this context, the conservation of resources is a further important topic at the trade fair, also due to the increasingly restricted availability of materials and components on the global market. The exhibitors present powerful components, automated technologies and environmentally friendly packaging management systems.

Progressing digitalization is of equal concern to the packaging industry and will also be a key topic at swop. For example, the trade fair will host a special area for intelligent production systems for packaging and materials.

Innovative packaging solutions to help prevent food waste and ensure product safety will also be featured prominently at this event. There will be packaging materials and technologies especially for ready meals and to extend food shelf life.

The FMCG Infinity Zone is a cooperation between swop and PKG Family, created as an efficient communication platform for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). This term includes all products that have a high fluctuation in retail, for example consumer goods for everyday use. With rapid socio-economic development and the advent of the digital age, consumer desires for customisation, emotional appeal, innovation and creativity have become new trends in the FMCG industry. Packaging plays a key part here. At swop, the newest packaging materials, ideas, technologies and design will be exhibited in this context. More than 300 exhibitors will present their products in this area.

Federal sponsorship for exhibitors from Germany

Companies from Germany can participate in swop with a sponsorship by the federal government. The offer of federal sponsorship highlights the importance of this trade fair. Exhibitors can present their products together with other German companies under the “Made in Germany” brand, which grants them additional attention.