Singapore, 10 October 2023 – The eagerly anticipated PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL and CorruTec ASIA 2023 exhibitions, organized by Messe Düsseldorf Asia in partnership with Thailand's prominent industry associations – The Thai Packaging Association, The Thai Printing Association, and the Thai Corrugated Packaging Association, concluded successfully last month at BITEC, Bangkok, leaving a lasting positive impression.
The vibrant atmosphere on the show floor saw the two co-located exhibitions bring together 12,200 visitors, with 20 percent hailing from outside Thailand – top markets came from neighbouring Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, followed by China, India, and Japan. Among them were representatives from prominent companies such as: Amarin Corporations, Inter Eastern Container, Sunshine Press, U L Printing and Packaging, and more. The strong visitor turnout underscores the exhibitions' growing standing as a must-attend marketplace for the packaging, printing, and corrugated packaging sectors.
From September 20 to 23, the exhibitions provided a platform for over 300 exhibitors from 25 countries, including national groups from Germany, China, and Taiwan, to showcase innovative technologies and solutions on a regional stage. The show floor buzzed with activity, creating a positive and dynamic atmosphere filled with meaningful engagements and discussions. Gernot Ringling, Managing Director, Messe Düsseldorf Asia, emphasised the role of PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL and CorruTec ASIA 2023 as sourcing, business, and networking platforms. He stated, "These events serve as an essential meeting place for the industry, exposing participants to emerging technologies and market shifts. They empower Thai businesses to adapt strategies, integrate new technologies, and champion a future that is more sustainable, digitally inclined, and smartly automated. While also providing both local and international companies a platform to strengthen their market presence, fostering strategic alliances and promoting expansion beyond domestic borders."
Growing interest in the Southeast Asian market
Thailand's packaging, printing, and corrugated packaging sectors are undeniably gaining significance, not only within the Thai economy but also on a regional scale. The country's robust position as a printing and packaging hub is increasingly drawing international attention. Leonard Dϋrr, Head of Sales at CONPRINTA GmbH & Co. KG, emphasised the growing interest in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand and Vietnam. He stated, “We are very focused on the Southeast Asian market. This event provides us with a unique opportunity to engage with potential customers, share our new developments, and gain a better understanding of the market.” Exhibiting under the German Pavilion, “the company unveiled its cutting-edge Conprinta IMD 1700 machine, designed to offer preprint solutions for corrugated boxes and folding cartons.
For Oki Systems (Thailand), digital printing technology expert that offers a variety of solutions to help optimise printing and document sequencing, PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL presented a strong platform to showcase their larger industrial printers. “It was also a good chance to raise brand awareness beyond our printing expertise but also for our consumer category,” added Akio Kotake, its Managing Director. Exhibiting for the fourth consecutive time at PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL, he said “we received good footfall to our booth which was very relevant to our products and business.”
Echoing this sentiment was Korapat Wongananchai, Division Manager, Commercial & Industrial Printing, from Ricoh (Thailand): “This year we saw more visitors on the show floor and had some very good traffic at our booth and managed to sign several contracts to buy our machines. In fact, we sold ten big machines. In addition, the enquiries, and potential leads we received have been very promising.”
Katsuya (Kurt) Tode, Director, Regional Commercial & Industrial Printing Division, Canon Singapore, emphasised the pivotal role of both consumables and printers in technology and practical applications. He highlighted that many customers had eagerly anticipated the opportunity to witness their printers in action, demonstrating the diversity of their technological capabilities. Tode stated, “In fact, some of our customers had been eagerly awaiting the chance to observe one of our printers in action here before finalising their purchase decisions, and they were delighted with the experience. This platform effectively serves as a means to win over our customers and showcase the breadth of our technological capabilities.”
From both a domestic and international perspective, the exhibitions left a significant impression on visitors. Ranazar Hang, A&D Office, a first-time visitor from Cambodia, expressed his satisfaction with the co-located exhibitions. He identified numerous potential product lines that could significantly enhance business efficiency, particularly in the realm of printing automation, which he had been actively seeking. Similarly, local business owner Varissara Taechawichian of Infinite Paper Lab shared her positive experience: “There were many new innovations on display, and I managed to get many new ideas to develop my product. I found a lot of new suppliers for my packaging business, so it has been a very good experience for me,” she said.
