In 2023, the international trade fair "swop" returns and promises exciting prospects for China's packaging industry and its application sectors. For international and regional suppliers, this is the most important platform for networking and business opportunities in the region.

Between November 22 and 24, the international processing and packaging industry will once again gather in the rapidly expanding metropolis of Shanghai. Approximately 900 exhibitors will be present at the Shanghai World of Packaging (swop), bringing together notable packaging companies and experts from China and around the world.

Numerous specialties and projects, including global discussions, sustainable best practices, intelligent machinery, innovative packaging design, safer and more functional materials, and more, all showcase the future of packaging.

"Swop opens the doors to China's packaging industry. With a focus on the growing Asian market, it offers tremendous potential for internationally active packaging companies and supports innovative concepts on how to best utilize these opportunities," says Thomas Dohse, director of the interpack alliance. swop is jointly organized by Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai and Adsale Exhibition Services and is part of the global interpack portfolio.

To support companies in harnessing promising opportunities in China, swop is again offering special information platforms and numerous parallel events this year.

Global Knowledge Exchange

The "International Packaging Dialogue" format brings together renowned packaging experts. From new European regulations for materials in contact with food to the creative design of French packaging and insights into the use of AI in the Japanese market, knowledge is shared globally, discussions take place, and new horizons are discovered.

Products for Everyday Life

For the fourth consecutive time, swop and the "Home of Packaging" platform are jointly organizing the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) pavilion. It provides packaging solutions for the massive FMCG market, with a focus on solutions for everyday products and packaging for food and beverages. The "FMCG Infinity Zone" showcases the best in sustainability.

ODM and OEM Suppliers

Companies interested in an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) approach can also benefit from a visit to swop. The range includes packaging services such as product planning, research and development, packaging design, and procurement of packaging materials.

A Wide Range of Sustainable Solutions

Under the name "Green Power," swop has brought together around 150 sustainable packaging solution providers, including biodegradable materials, recycled plastics, cellulose forming, multifunctional packaging, eco-friendly printing materials, and more.

Innovative Packaging Design and Concepts

Faced with constant changes in the FMCG market and changing consumer habits, how can you quickly capture consumer attention? In collaboration with swop, the "Sivapack Studio" combines the talents of different designers to showcase successful packaging models and concepts that will be key to the future.

All of this takes place in the "Design and Packaging Marketing" special exhibition area. Another highlight is the "AI Drives the Future" forum, focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence on global packaging trends, from a marketing and design perspective.

Smart Packaging Machines

In the "Intelligent Packaging and Custom Packaging Equipment Zone," visitors can experience automated production systems that reduce costs and improve efficiency. About 300 packaging machine and equipment suppliers are present here. Beyond this, there is a special segment dedicated to ready-made meals and fresh food packaging, featuring progressive technologies for extending shelf life.

Reducing Food Waste

On the other hand, the SAVE FOOD initiative by Messe Düsseldorf and interpack not only draws attention to food loss and waste reduction but also emphasizes the importance of sustainable design in achieving this goal.

For the first time, the SAVE FOOD DESIGN and SUSTAINABILITY DESIGN AWARD will be presented to exhibitors to honor innovative solutions in these areas. In addition, visitors can expect a comprehensive lecture program that sheds light on current packaging and food processing trends and developments.

Functional and Safe Packaging Materials

swop's range includes a variety of packaging materials that ensure high barrier properties, freshness, antimicrobial and moisture-resistant properties, heat and cold resistance, durability, and product safety and quality. Exhibited materials include PE, HDPE, LDPE, PET, PC, PVC, PS, PET, EVOH, biodegradable materials like PLA/PHA/PBAT, bio-based materials, and recyclable materials.

E-commerce and Express Logistics

This year, swop once again presents the latest solutions in logistics and packaging that meet the needs of modern consumers through fast, safe, and eco-friendly logistics services. These solutions include cushion/transport/paper packaging such as foam, buffer bags, air cushions, pallets, wooden crates, perimeter crates, special packaging, multifunctional containers, cellulose molding, corrugated kraft paper bags, and more. Additionally, logistic packaging equipment such as foam equipment, cellulose molding machines, cushion bag machines, and box opening, closing, and filling machines are exhibited.

For more information about swop 2023, you can visit their website at https://www.swop-online.com/en/.

For further information on exhibition opportunities, you can contact the interpack team (Ivania Portillo-Elzer, [email protected]).