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Gulf Print & Pack 2026 to highlight key trends in commercia…

Written by Andy Thomas-Emans, Strategic Director at LOUPE Global The commercial and packaging printing markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are undergoing a transformative period, driven by the continued move to digital printing and finishing, evolving consumer preferences, and a growing focus on sustainability. As we approach Gulf Print & Pack 2026, the premier exhibition for the printing and packaging industry in the region, it is essential to explore the key trends shaping these markets and how businesses can leverage them to stay competitive. The MENA region is witnessing significant growth in the printing and packaging markets, fuelled by economic diversification efforts, population growth, and rising consumer spending. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in infrastructure and industrial development, creating opportunities for the printing and packaging industries to expand, both for domestic consumption and exports. The region's strategic location as a global trade hub is also driving demand for high-quality packaging solutions, particularly in the export-oriented sectors. Additionally, the increasing adoption of automation and Industry 4.0 technologies is transforming production processes, enabling businesses to achieve greater efficiency and scalability. Digital printing on the rise Digital printing continues to gain momentum in the MENA region, particularly in the commercial printing sector. Businesses are increasingly turning to digital printing for its ability to deliver faster turnaround times, reduced waste and cost-effective solutions for smaller print volumes. In the packaging sector, digital printing is enabling brands to create personalized and limited-edition packaging, which resonates with consumers seeking unique and tailored experiences. This trend is particularly evident in the food and beverage, cosmetics, and e-commerce industries, where packaging plays a critical role in brand differentiation. In the commercial print sector digital printing is creating new opportunities even in markets thought to be declining. A good example is on-demand book printing and the rise of personalized photobooks. Digital continues to replace analogue printing across a wide range of applications from high-speed transactional printing to short run magazines, brochures and personalized direct marketing. Wide format continues to create new business opportunities for PSPs across a range of applications from short-run packaging to floor tiles, posters and digitally printed textiles. At Gulf Print & Pack 2026, exhibitors will showcase the latest advancements in digital printing, including high-speed inkjet and electrophotographic technologies and wide format, which are set to redefine the printing landscape in the region. Smart and intelligent technologies ‘Smart’ solutions, such as QR codes, NFC tags, and augmented reality (AR) features, are becoming increasingly popular in the MENA region, enabling brands to provide interactive and engaging experiences, both in packaging and commercial printing applications such as smart posters. QR codes can direct consumers to product information, promotional offers, or sustainability initiatives, while AR features can create immersive brand experiences. In the pharmaceutical and food industries, smart packaging is also being used to enhance product safety and traceability, addressing growing concerns about counterfeit products and food safety. At Gulf Print & Pack 2026, smart packaging will be a focal point, with exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies that bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences. This trend underscores the importance of innovation in meeting the evolving expectations of tech-savvy consumers. Sustainability growing in importance While brands and printing businesses in the MENA region are not currently faced with the kind of detailed regulations now being implemented by the European Union, sustainability is rising rapidly up the regional agenda, both in the printing and packaging markets. Governments across the region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, are already implementing stringent regulations to reduce environmental impact, such as bans on single-use plastics. In response, the printing and packaging industries will need to prepare to embrace sustainable practices, such as increasing use of biodegradable and recyclable substrates and investment in energy-efficient printing technologies. Conclusion From digital printing and sustainability to smart packaging, the trends shaping the industry reflect a dynamic and forward-thinking market. By staying ahead of these trends, businesses can position themselves for success in the evolving MENA printing and packaging landscape. Gulf Print & Pack 2026 promises to be an unmissable event for anyone looking to thrive in this exciting and rapidly changing industry.
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Gulf Print & Pack 2026 to highlight key trends in commercia…

The modularity of BOBST folder-gluers is rooted in the knowledge that not all customers have the same production needs. Based on their activity within specific market segments, customer requirements and plant size, converters aim to invest in solutions that match their manufacturing standards. Modern converting for added-value boxes Designed to ensure careful and precise folding-gluing of corrugated board and delicate litho-laminated packaging, the EXPERTFOLD 145/165 is equipped with a range of features for smooth transport, exact folding and long-lasting gluing. The machine is equipped with HMI (Human Machine Interface) SPHERE, which allows data exchange with the back office through the BOBST Connect platform. Job details can now be prepared remotely, and production data is available through the platform. This provides converters with access to manufacturing reports and equipment data across production sites, enabling them to plan shifts effectively and monitor production progress and outcomes. The combination of the remote digital setup with Matic features – including the new automated blank aligner – further streamlines, accelerates and simplifies the setup processes. Increased data and setup precision and reduced workload for operators are additional benefits of the latest changes implemented on the EXPERTFOLD. Additional machine widths and configurations A few years ago, the introduction of the special e-commerce configuration of the EXPERTFOLD 165, including a POLYVACUUM and GYROBOX module for the inline application of self-adhesive tapes and opening stripes, has been an important step in specializing this all-rounder for a particular market segment. Today, two new machine widths and configurations expand the options available to converters seeking high-tech folder-gluer dedicated to particular production requirements. For smaller micro-flute boxes, EXPERTFOLD 106 offers a reduced width which allows to save precious production floor space by keeping the machine footprint at a minimum. At the same time, the machine contains all the technologies of its bigger version, preserving delicate packaging surfaces for first-rate quality converting of value-added boxes. The new EXPERTFOLD 215, on the other hand, is dedicated for folding-gluing large blanks up to 2,300 mm width. Equipped with an extended feeder section and a 6,000 mm folding and a 6,600 mm delivery section, this extremely robust machine does not compromise on folding quality. To reduce the machine length, it is also available in a configuration without pre-breaker. However, it can also be equipped with POLYVACUUM and GYROBOX XL, to produce complex boxes in one single run. These recent innovations and new machine widths are designed to offer converters even more possibilities to find the folder-gluer that suits their needs. It is also a way for BOBST to adapt its corrugated board folder-gluer portfolio to the trend towards high-end micro-flute and big-size e-commerce boxes.
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Customer-centric development of BOBST’s EXPERTFOLD corrugated board f…

The modularity of BOBST folder-gluers is rooted in the knowledge that not all customers have the same production needs. Based on their activity within specific market segments, customer requirements and plant size, converters aim to invest in solutions that match their manufacturing standards. Modern converting for added-value boxes Designed to ensure careful and precise folding-gluing of corrugated board and delicate litho-laminated packaging, the EXPERTFOLD 145/165 is equipped with a range of features for smooth transport, exact folding and long-lasting gluing. The machine is equipped with HMI (Human Machine Interface) SPHERE, which allows data exchange with the back office through the BOBST Connect platform. Job details can now be prepared remotely, and production data is available through the platform. This provides converters with access to manufacturing reports and equipment data across production sites, enabling them to plan shifts effectively and monitor production progress and outcomes. The combination of the remote digital setup with Matic features – including the new automated blank aligner – further streamlines, accelerates and simplifies the setup processes. Increased data and setup precision and reduced workload for operators are additional benefits of the latest changes implemented on the EXPERTFOLD. Additional machine widths and configurations A few years ago, the introduction of the special e-commerce configuration of the EXPERTFOLD 165, including a POLYVACUUM and GYROBOX module for the inline application of self-adhesive tapes and opening stripes, has been an important step in specializing this all-rounder for a particular market segment. Today, two new machine widths and configurations expand the options available to converters seeking high-tech folder-gluer dedicated to particular production requirements. For smaller micro-flute boxes, EXPERTFOLD 106 offers a reduced width which allows to save precious production floor space by keeping the machine footprint at a minimum. At the same time, the machine contains all the technologies of its bigger version, preserving delicate packaging surfaces for first-rate quality converting of value-added boxes. The new EXPERTFOLD 215, on the other hand, is dedicated for folding-gluing large blanks up to 2,300 mm width. Equipped with an extended feeder section and a 6,000 mm folding and a 6,600 mm delivery section, this extremely robust machine does not compromise on folding quality. To reduce the machine length, it is also available in a configuration without pre-breaker. However, it can also be equipped with POLYVACUUM and GYROBOX XL, to produce complex boxes in one single run. These recent innovations and new machine widths are designed to offer converters even more possibilities to find the folder-gluer that suits their needs. It is also a way for BOBST to adapt its corrugated board folder-gluer portfolio to the trend towards high-end micro-flute and big-size e-commerce boxes.
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Customer-centric development of BOBST’s EXPERTFOLD corrugated board f…

The modularity of BOBST folder-gluers is rooted in the knowledge that not all customers have the same production needs. Based on their activity within specific market segments, customer requirements and plant size, converters aim to invest in solutions that match their manufacturing standards. Modern converting for added-value boxes Designed to ensure careful and precise folding-gluing of corrugated board and delicate litho-laminated packaging, the EXPERTFOLD 145/165 is equipped with a range of features for smooth transport, exact folding and long-lasting gluing. The machine is equipped with HMI (Human Machine Interface) SPHERE, which allows data exchange with the back office through the BOBST Connect platform. Job details can now be prepared remotely, and production data is available through the platform. This provides converters with access to manufacturing reports and equipment data across production sites, enabling them to plan shifts effectively and monitor production progress and outcomes. The combination of the remote digital setup with Matic features – including the new automated blank aligner – further streamlines, accelerates and simplifies the setup processes. Increased data and setup precision and reduced workload for operators are additional benefits of the latest changes implemented on the EXPERTFOLD. Additional machine widths and configurations A few years ago, the introduction of the special e-commerce configuration of the EXPERTFOLD 165, including a POLYVACUUM and GYROBOX module for the inline application of self-adhesive tapes and opening stripes, has been an important step in specializing this all-rounder for a particular market segment. Today, two new machine widths and configurations expand the options available to converters seeking high-tech folder-gluer dedicated to particular production requirements. For smaller micro-flute boxes, EXPERTFOLD 106 offers a reduced width which allows to save precious production floor space by keeping the machine footprint at a minimum. At the same time, the machine contains all the technologies of its bigger version, preserving delicate packaging surfaces for first-rate quality converting of value-added boxes. The new EXPERTFOLD 215, on the other hand, is dedicated for folding-gluing large blanks up to 2,300 mm width. Equipped with an extended feeder section and a 6,000 mm folding and a 6,600 mm delivery section, this extremely robust machine does not compromise on folding quality. To reduce the machine length, it is also available in a configuration without pre-breaker. However, it can also be equipped with POLYVACUUM and GYROBOX XL, to produce complex boxes in one single run. These recent innovations and new machine widths are designed to offer converters even more possibilities to find the folder-gluer that suits their needs. It is also a way for BOBST to adapt its corrugated board folder-gluer portfolio to the trend towards high-end micro-flute and big-size e-commerce boxes.
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  • Agfa Avinci CX3200

    Avinci CX3200 is 3.2 m wide dye sub textile printer capable of printing on polyester-based textiles What is it? Agfa’s Avinci CX3200 is a highly reliable and convenient soft signage printer that can print directly to fabrics and onto transfer paper. It uses an off-line calendar unit to ensure perfect fixation. Agfa’s dedicated dye sublimation roll-to-roll printer will enable you to create vibrant, high-quality prints on polyester-based fabrics up to 3.2 m wide, including a broad range of in- and outdoor soft signage applications, as well as interior decoration. The Avinci CX3200 boasts a rich color gamut and delivers deep black, perfect solids, accurate spot color mapping and smooth tonal rendering that is particularly noticeable in skin tones. The Avinci inks are characterised by their flexibility, image longevity and outdoor resistance. They offer stable jetting performance and deliver the same high-quality results, batch after batch. An off-line calender unit fixes the color deeply into the structure of the polyester-based fabrics while evaporating the carrier fluid. When was it launched at what are the target markets? It was launched on June 22, 2021, and aimed at soft signage industry, sports wear, fashion industry and home décor. Avinic CX3200 is a 3.2 m wide Dye Sub Textile printer capable of printing on polyester based textiles. Does it replace an earlier product? It replaces the earlier model of DX3200. The Avinci CX3200 is driven by Agfa’s Asanti wide-format workflow software. Color accuracy is provided by the easy-to-use color management. Using  their Calibrated Print Mode feature, new media can be calibrated and profiled in less than 15 minutes, after which the new profiles can be used to guarantee print quality. Asanti controls and automates the entire printing process from file intake to finishing, maximising productivity. Its comprehensive integration of file handling, color management and preflighting guarantees smooth and error-free jobs. The web-based Asanti Production Dashboard offers a view on your running production. It summarizes the jobs produced and reports on quantity printed, media usage, ink volumes enabling you to control your production and to manage your print shop optimally. What is the USP? It allows you to print directly on textiles and capable of print on transfer paper media as well. Single person media loading and low inks consumptions are another features. High productivity and a robust design for reliable printing at all times, vibrant prints and a wide color gamut; fine detail rendering; extensive applications scope; low ink consumption; convenient operations and a fast changeover between jobs are another features. Avinci produces good results with a minimum of jetted ink. This low ink consumption is based on Agfa’s renowned Thin Ink Layer technology: a smart combination of particular ink characteristics and our Asanti workflow software algorithms that tune the ink quantities perfectly to the required image quality mode. What training and support are available? Full in house training and support available from Agfa UAE and Belgium. Complete and integrated solution are available for printer, inks, workflow software, worldwide service and applications support. How productive is it? It prints at speed of 250 Sqm per hr on express mode. Being able to print directly to fabric is easy and ideal for fast handling and for special applications such as flags, where print-though is needed. Transfer paper allows for super sharp prints, eliminates any set-off, and limits media waste to a minimum. In addition, it extends the application scope to sportswear and fashion garments, as well as home décor prints on non-coated polyester fabrics. What does it cost? How is it sold? The recommended retail price (RRP) is approximately $220k stand alone printer and requires a separate calendaring unit. How many are in use? Currently, the latest CX3200 are around 11 units around the world. Specifications 3.2m Dye sublimation Printer Kyocera print heads 4 colour printer CYMK Direct to garment capable to print on transfer paper Max speed of 250 sqm Stand alone printer Resolution up to 600 x 1800 dpi Media types: Polyester-based fabrics, or transfer paper used to create banners, indoor wall graphics, shop decoration, outdoor advertising, light boxes, trade show displays, flags and high polyester-based blends “Agfa Avinci CX3200  was launched in June 2021.”
    Aug. 2, 2022

    Epson – SureColor SC V7000 Flatbed Printer

    Epson's first UV large format printer offers exceptional image quality, Shihab Zubair What is it? The SureColor SC-V7000 is Epson's first UV large format printer, offering exceptional image quality. The V7000 is ideal for printing eye-catching retail and outdoor signage, window displays, hoarding panels, packaging, promotional goods, and décor products. It includes Epson’s Micro Piezo printhead with ten newly developed original inks, for accurate colour reproduction for spot and corporate colours. It allows businesses the flexibility to print on a range of media up to 80mm thick including acrylics, polycarbonates, PVC, glass, aluminium, metal, polyester, foam board, styrene, wood and stone. The printhead layout enables simultaneous high-speed printing and, with the 4-zone vacuum system, it offers real flexibility for production environments. When was it launched at what are the target markets? The Epson SureColor SC-V7000 was launched in April 2021 within the Middle East region, building on the success of Epson’s award-winning range of SureColor S Series signage printers. The V7000 allows sign and display makers to expand their portfolio of products, to deliver high quality, fast and reliable results on a variety of different media. Does it replace an earlier product? The SureColor SC-V7000 proudly marks Epson’s entry into the UV flatbed signage print market. As Epson’s first UV large format printer, it provides unique features to differentiate and enhance our offering to the signage market. Every feature of the Epson SureColor SC-V7000 has been designed with the customer in mind. This is a robust and affordable UV LED flatbed signage printer capable of fast and quality printing on a wide range of media – any type of surface, despite the size, thickness, or weight. This is in addition to Epson’s successful product solutions such as the Epson SureColor SC Series of eco-solvent and resin ink printers. For instance, for environmentally friendly organisations, Epson’s SureColor SC-R5010 Series has the capacity to include a resin ink solution, offering print service providers and creative design agencies the ability to produce a wide range of signage in a more sustainable way, without compromising on the results. For a larger ink capacity, Epson offers the SureColor SC-R5010L. What is the USP? The Epson SureColor SC-V7000 provides exceptional image quality, productivity, usability, and safety. With the unique Epson Micro Piezo printhead, the printer has ten newly developed original inks and 3-layer high-speed printing. It helps print with ease and safety with automatic measurement of media thickness, a multi-zone vacuum, and a printhead crash prevent function, Epson Edge Print, proximity sensors. What training and support is available? Epson manufactures all the components for the SureColor SC-V7000, including printheads, inks and software, in order to reach the consistent quality levels that our customers expect. The Epson Cloud Solution PORT is a cloud-based system from where you will be able to monitor equipment across several sites, or several printers across one site, from the production floor or remotely, and assist the control of production. This enables efficient production planning, increased uptime and enhanced support. Epson Production Monitor is part of the Epson Cloud Solution PORT suite of apps and allows you to examine the production status in real-time. If an issue occurs, it can be corrected efficiently with minimal disruption to the print run. How productive is it? The SureColor SC-V7000 enables businesses to print at high speed with a maximum print area of 2.5 metres by 1.25 metres. The printhead layout enables simultaneous high-speed printing, with white ink and varnish, without losing productivity. What does it cost? How is it sold? The recommended retail price (RRP) is around AED 330,563 (US $90,000) and it is sold through authorised partners in the Middle East. How many are in use? Currently two printers have been installed in the UAE, and we are scheduled to install a few more in December and further into 2022. Specifications UltraChrome UV 10-colour inkset Printing resolution of 720 x 1,440 DPI Outstanding print quality High-speed simultaneous printing even when using white, colour and varnish Printheads, ink, firmware and software with an ink tank capacity of 1,000 ml  Price from AED 330,563 “Epson SureColor SC-V7000 was launched in April 2021.”
    Aug. 2, 2022
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