Shanghai World of Packaging (swop), jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) and Adsale Exhibition Services, recently took place from November 18 to 20 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.
As a member of the interpack alliance, swop 2024 presented the latest advancements and solutions spanning the entire packaging industry.
The exhibition identified key trends such as digitalisation, automation, intelligent packaging, and functional packaging, while addressing pressing industry challenges including cost efficiency, lightweight design, green and low-carbon environmental solutions, and overall sustainability.
In addition, in response to the rapidly evolving packaging landscape, swop will transition to an annual event from this year, marking a new milestone in the exhibition’s history.
swop 2024 took place in an exhibition hall spanning over 65,000 square metres, bringing together more than 900 exhibitors from China and around the world.
National pavilions from countries such as Germany, the US, Finland, Spain, and others showcased their innovative products and technologies. The event offered a wealth of packaging solutions and insights, serving as a comprehensive platform for sourcing and networking across the full spectrum of the processing and packaging industry.
Multiple concurrent forums and events
As intelligent technologies continue to advance, new sustainable regulations are introduced, and green materials are increasingly explored, the packaging industry is rapidly progressing towards a future that is both more efficient and sustainable.
In response to these trends, swop 2024 hosted a series of dynamic forums and events, bringing together industry experts to provide in-depth insights into the latest developments in packaging.
These forums and events served as platforms for discussion and collaboration, focusing on the critical issues shaping the future of the packaging sector:
This year, for the fourth consecutive time, swop partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) China Office to host the SAVE FOOD Forum.
The forum brought together leading experts from government agencies, research institutions, and the food processing, packaging, and supply chain sectors to discuss key issues in the packaging industry, including the role of women in leadership, the contribution of packaging to reducing food loss and waste, and the challenges posed by climate change and shifting consumption patterns in urban food systems.
Over 200 distinguished guests attended, creating a vibrant and engaging environment.
Additionally, Messe Düsseldorf joined forces with the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), FAO China, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to present the Awarding Ceremony for Save Food Design Award & Sustainability Design Award China, adding a celebratory highlight to the forum.
Through in-depth e-commerce industry analysis, keynote presentations, and showcases of innovative achievements, the 2024 E-commerce Packaging seminar explored pioneering topics such as advances in food packaging, customised e-commerce packaging solutions, green material adoption, sustainable progress in flexographic printing, and the role of recyclable crates in eco-friendly logistics.
Representatives from companies like Perfetti Van Melle and Konica Minolta shared insights and showcased their latest e-commerce packaging products. The seminar not only fostered communication and collaboration across the packaging industry but also infused fresh momentum into digital intelligence and green sustainability goals for the sector.
In response to the growing global emphasis on sustainability and heightened consumer environmental awareness, the 2024 Industry-University-Research Cooperation Conference focussed on advancing China’s green development strategy.
Discussions drove the packaging industry toward low-carbon, circular, and biodegradable solutions, contributing to the sector’s transformation into a more sustainable and environmentally conscious industry.
Prominent figures from the plastics industry gathered at the launch event for Cutting-edge Packaging Materials to discuss the pivotal role of raw material innovation in advancing green packaging.
Attendees witnessed the unveiling of several innovative materials, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to sustainable progress.
In response to evolving global regulations and emerging export trade challenges, swop collaborated with SGS experts to provide an in-depth analysis of key regulations, including the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the integration of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in food packaging.
This collaboration offered enterprises valuable compliance guidance and insights into market opportunities. The event facilitated industry-wide exchanges and provided substantial support to help businesses stay competitive in green packaging trends.
In addition, with the global trade environment showing signs of improvement in 2024, the Customer Acquisition forum offered valuable insights to Chinese domestic trade and manufacturing enterprises seeking to expand into foreign markets.
Participants gained targeted strategies and practical guidance for navigating international trade challenges, empowering them to seize new opportunities in the global market.
swop 2024 also featured a series of engaging events, including the Food Equipment and Intelligent Manufacturing (Shanghai) Forum, Sustainable Future, a journey through the life cycle of sustainable packaging, the 2024 Youngsun Intelligent Carnival, and the Overseas Business Matchmaking Meeting, among many others. These events addressed critical topics such as food processing, green and sustainable packaging, and business matchmaking, offering a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
