Page 7 - PWM2025_MAY EBOOK
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ASIA NEWS
WEPACK 2025 concludes in China
WEPACK 2025, the pre- engaging. Attendees only as a showcase of cut-
mier global packaging indus- explored specialized exhibi- ting-edge technologies and
try exhibition, organized by tion zones, participated in solutions, but also as a cata-
RX, concluded last month at high-level procurement lyst for global cooperation,
the Shanghai New talks, and actively pursued
International Expo Center new market opportunities, supply chain synergy, and
with resounding success. further showcasing sustainable development
Over the three-day event, WEPACK’s powerful influ- across the industry.
the expo welcomed an ence in connecting global The next edition of
unprecedented 138,614 visi- packaging stakeholders. WEPACK will take place in
tors from home and abroad, Beyond the exhibition
marking a 51.37% increase floor, 35 professional on-site April 2026 at the Shenzhen
compared to 2023. Of these, WEPACK 2025 concludes successfully in Shanghai on high note events were held, offering World Exhibition &
18,806 were international attendees a wealth of indus- Convention Center. With
visitors—an astonishing than 1,000 pieces of equip- fostering a rich environment try insights and business continued enhancements in
year-on-year growth of ment across the full packag- for international exchange. prospects. Highlights scale, content, and service,
189.19%—setting new ing industry chain. The event The TAP (Targeted Attendee included the GC O2O Outlet
records in the show’s his- featured over 200 new prod- Program) team successfully Sale Event, which featured WEPACK 2026 promises to
tory. uct launches, underlining the facilitated 898 business exclusive offers on equip- deliver an even more impact-
This year’s edition saw a sector’s rapid innovation and matching sessions, including ment, consumables, and ful and forward-looking plat-
major expansion in scope and dynamism. 318 cross-border matchmak- accessories, as well as the form for the global
influence. With an exhibition WEPACK 2025 further ing meetings, resulting in Vietnam Investment Day packaging community.
area of 120,000 square solidified its role as a global numerous new global trade Forum, providing strategic The organizing committee
meters, WEPACK 2025 platform for collaboration. partnerships and concrete guidance for Chinese packag-
brought together over 1,500 Over 100 industry associa- cooperation agreements. ing companies expanding extends its deepest gratitude
domestic and international tions from China and abroad The atmosphere through- into Southeast Asia. to all exhibitors, attendees,
exhibitors, showcasing more visited in organized groups, out the event was vibrant and WEPACK 2025 served not and partners.
Japan launches world’s first 3D printed train station
Japan is now home to the work is much faster and during the night, reducing
what we believe is the less labor-intensive. The new disruption to train services.
world’s first train station station building is a single- The whole process, from
built with 3D printing tech- story structure covering just
nology. Located in Arida under ten square meters setup to final build, was
City, just south of Osaka, the designed to be completed
new Hatsushima Station is a (about 107 square feet). Its within six hours, between
collaborative effort between design includes wall decora- the last train at night and the
the West Japan Railway tions that reflect local cul- first train in the morning.
Company (JR West), its ture, featuring artistic motifs Thanks to 3D printing, the
innovation arm JR West inspired by mandarin
Innovations, and 3D print- oranges, or “mikan,” and cut- construction moved quickly.
ing construction trailblazer Japan is now home to the world’s first 3D printed train station lassfish, or “tachiuo,” two The new concrete structure
Serendix. well-known symbols of Arita also offers better durability
The station’s structure When it opens, Hatsushima lems in Japan’s railway sys- City. and resistance to corrosion
was assembled in March Station will replace the orig- tem: aging infrastructure and One of the most interest- than the old wooden build-
2025, but it hasn’t officially inal wooden building from labor shortages. Rebuilding ing. On top of that, the 3D
opened yet. JR West plans to 1948 and is expected to with traditional construction ing parts of this project is printing process doesn’t
finish the interior work, become a model for modern, methods often takes a lot of how quickly it was built. The
including ticket machines efficient infrastructure in time and people, especially 3D printed components were require formwork, which
and card readers, before wel- rural areas. The project is when rebuilding old wooden manufactured off-site and means less material waste
coming passengers in July. looking to fix two big prob- stations. With 3D printing, then assembled at the station and more freedom in design.
www.printweekmena.com May 2025 PrintWeek MENA 07