The 10th edition of the Propak East Africa Expo concluded today in Nairobi with a resounding call for increased regional collaboration to fast-track the adoption of eco-packaging across the packaging, printing, processing, and plastics sectors.
The three-day event, which drew over 5,500 visitors and featured more than 150 exhibitors from 35 countries, highlighted the sector’s growing role in addressing environmental challenges amid East Africa’s urbanization and e-commerce boom.
Speaking at the close of the event, Angela Kinyua, Managing Director of Montgomery Group East Africa, emphasized the need for harmonized standards across East African countries to facilitate innovation and trade. “If a manufacturer is developing a product in Tanzania and must change it for the Kenyan market, it becomes difficult. We are encouraging stakeholders to collaborate more, especially in standards development and knowledge exchange,” said Kinyua.
She also pointed to emerging trends such as the rise of flexible packaging and cold chain solutions in food and beverage processing, noting that the region is increasingly benchmarking its progress with countries like South Africa.
A key highlight of the expo was a presentation by Koffi Essuman, Vice President of Education at the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), who championed eco-packaging as a competitive advantage for businesses. “Due to regulatory demands and rising consumer awareness, sustainable packaging is no longer optional. It enhances brand image and drives business success,” he said during a session themed “Packaging as a Powerful Tool for Socio-Economic Development in East Africa.”
Panel discussions reinforced the urgency of developing unified packaging compliance regulations across the region and aligning them with global standards. Speakers noted that harmonized policies would not only facilitate cross-border trade but also support more efficient waste management.
The environmental urgency was underscored by data from the World Bank’s “What a Waste 2.0” report, which estimates over 2 billion metric tons of municipal solid waste are produced annually worldwide—33 percent of which is not managed in an environmentally safe way. This figure is projected to increase to 3.4 billion metric tons in the coming decades due to population growth and urban expansion.
The event received backing from key institutions including Kenya’s Ministry of Trade, Investments and Industry, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other industry bodies. Prominent companies such as PiovanGroup, Nilpeter, Odoo, Reinfenhauser Blown Film, Skyland Masterbatch, The Packaging Group, and Vertiv participated in the expo, showcasing innovations and solutions in sustainable packaging.
As East Africa’s economy continues to grow, the region is positioning itself as a continental leader in packaging and processing solutions, attracting both international interest and investment.
Organizers and stakeholders are hopeful that the momentum from this year’s expo will catalyze stronger regional partnerships and drive the adoption of greener, more sustainable packaging solutions.