SWOP 2023: International Packaging Trends and Innovations in Shaghai

In 2023, swop returns with important insights into China’s packaging industry and its application sectors. For international and regional suppliers, this is the most significant platform for contacts and business in the region.

From November 22 – 24, 2023, the international processing and  packaging sector will meet in Shanghai, China again. About 900 exhibitors will participate in the Shanghai World of Packaging (swop), bringing together renowned  packaging companies and experts from China and all over the world. Numerous specials and projects, including global panel discissions, sustainable best cases, intelligent machines, innovative packaging design and  functional and safer materials will showcase the future of packaging.

“swop opens doors to the packaging industry in China. With its focus on the growing Asian market, it offers enormous potential for internationally active packaging companies and supports innovative concepts for how these opportunities can best be used”, said Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack alliance. swop is jointly organized by Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai and Adsale Exhibition Services and is part of the global interpack portfolio.

To help companies take advantage of the promising opportunities in China, swop will again offer special information platforms and numerous concurrent events this year.

Global knowledge exchange

The “International Packaging Dialogue” format will bring renowned packaging experts together. From the new European regulations for materials with food contact to the creativity of French packaging design and insights into the use of AI on the Japanese market – knowledge will be shared, discussed and new horizons discovered on a global scale.

Products for daily use

For the fourth time, swop and the platform “Home of Packaging” will organize the FMCG pavilion together. It will feature packaging for the huge market of “fast moving consumer goods”. Two special focus areas will be solutions for everyday products as well as food and beverage  packaging. The “FCMG Infinity Zone” will present bestsellers in terms of sustainability.

ODM and OEM providers

Companies interested in an ODM (original design manufacturer) and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) approach will also find what they are looking for at swop 2023. The range will include packaging services such as product planning, research and development, packaging design and the procurement of packaging materials.

A wide range of sustainable solutions

Under the header “Green Power”,  swop will feature around 150 suppliers of sustainable packaging solutions, for example biologically degradable materials, recycled plastics, cellulose forming, multi-use packaging and environmentally friendly printing materials.

Innovative packaging designs and concepts

Faced with the continuous changes in the FMCG market and changing consumer habits, how can you quickly capture the attention of consumers? In cooperation with swop, “Sivapack Studio” is joining forces to present the latest successful packaging designs and packaging concepts that will be key for the future.  All this will be on display at the special “Packaging Design and Marketing” area.  Another highlight will be the forum “AI Drives the Future”. The focus here will be on the impact of artificial intelligence on the global trends in packaging development from the perspective of marketing and design.

Smart packaging machines

In the “Smart Packaging & Personalized Packaging Equipment Zone”, visitors can experience automated production systems which lower costs and improve efficiency. Approximately 300 suppliers of packaging machines and systems are present here. Beyond this, there is a special segment concerning the topic of ready-made meals and packaging for fresh food which presents progressive technologies for lengthening shelf life.

Reducing food waste

At swop 2023, the SAVE FOOD initiative by Messe Düsseldorf and interpack will not only call attention to reducing food loss and waste, but also emphasize the importance of sustainable design to achieve this goal. For the first time, the SAVE FOOD DESIGN and SUSTAINABILITY DESIGN AWARD will be presented to exhibitors to recognize innovative solutions in these areas. In addition, visitors can expect a comprehensive lecture program, highlighting current trends and developments in the food packaging and processing sectors.

Functional and safe packaging materials

The range of exhibits at swop 2023 will include a variety of packaging materials which ensure high barrier properties, freshness, anti-microbial and humidity-resistant properties, resistance to heat and cold as well as sustainability, and which guarantee product safety and quality. Among the materials on display will be PE, HDPE, LDPE, PET, PC, PVC, PS, PET, EVOH, biologically degradable materials like PLA/PHA/PBAT, bio-based materials and recyclable materials.

E-commerce & express logistics

This year, swop will again present the latest solutions in logistics and packaging that meet the requirements of modern consumers through fast, safe and environmentally friendly logistics services. This will include buffer / transport / paper packaging such as foam, buffer bags, air cushions, pallets, wooden crates, perimeter crates, special packaging, multi-use containers, pulp molding and honeycomb cardboard as well as kraft paper bags made of corrugated cardboard. In addition, logistic packaging equipment such as foam equipment, pulp forming machines, buffer bag machines and machines for opening, closing and filling crates will be on display.

For further information on visiting or exhibiting at SWOP 2023, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: (312) 781-5180; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit https://www.swop-online.com/en/ and www.mdna.com

About swop

Shanghai World of Packaging has been jointly organized by Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai and Adsale Exhibition Services Co. Ltd. since 2015 and will be held on an annual basis starting in 2024. Under the umbrella brand of the interpack alliance, it covers the entire supply chain of the packaging industry. Its scope ranges from the production and processing of packaging materials to primary and secondary packaging  as well as packaging printing.

About the interpack alliance

The interpack alliance consists of Messe Düsseldorf events which are part of the Processing & Packaging portfolio. In addition to the flagship trade fair interpack in Düsseldorf, Germany, swop (Shanghai World of Packaging), pacprocess India and food pex India (Mumbai, New Delhi), pacprocess MEA and Food Africa (Cairo) as well as components (Düsseldorf) are all part of the interpack alliance. In important growth markets, the interpack alliance addresses the target groups of food, beverage, confectionery and baked goods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, non-food consumer goods and industrial goods, with different focuses depending on the event.