As curtains fall on the 11th edition of Gulf Print & Pack, the biennial exhibition for commercial and packaging printers in the region, the one distinguishing factor was the higher number of international delegations participating including from emerging markets such as Iran.  Participating exhibitors from over 110 countries arrived from China, India, Italy,  Switzerland,  Germany, Turkey,  USA, UK, Egypt, Taiwan,  Hongkong, Netherlands, Spain among others.  
 While many exhibitors mentioned a reduction in visitor numbers, the event showcased latest technolgy and product launches.  As the printing industry evolves  packaging  and 3D printing is making rapid strides and showing vertical growth prospects.  Traditional printers are also adding more value with total print solutions as the definition of print changes  and moves ahead from being merely ‘ink on paper’.  New technologies now focus on  cost savings, flexibility and reduced time in completion of jobs.  
This issue of PrintWeek MEA features an exclusive coverage of the Gulf Print and Pack.   Our Better Business article examines various strategies for growth - whether organic or acquisitive, while our  Star Product is a wide-format thermal laminator with a pneumatic pressure system, and the Technology Report details the 200-year old interesting history of the world’s second largest pressmaker- KBA.

Shilpa Jasani is the editor of PrintWeek
MEA magazine.