The consumption of plastics in the GCC has increased from 19 kg per capita in 2000 to 39 kg per capita in 2010 and should reach the kind of levels seen in developed markets by 2020, said the organisers of an upcoming packaging event in Riyadh.

Leading events provider IQPC's Plastic Packaging Saudi Arabia Summit will take place from February 20 to 23 at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel in Riyadh.

The event will feature converters, petrochemical companies and government who will discuss future trends, supply chain, innovative technology, lean manufacturing and six sigma.

It will also feature top-notch presentations and industry panels, alongside with a dedicated exhibition of international solutions providers.

The Saudi Arabian market accounts for up to 70 per cent of the total $2 billion packaging market in the GCC, said Kamil Al Jawhari at Riyadh Exhibitions Company
Packaging has been identified as the fastest growing segment, followed by construction and wire and cable.

The Middle Eastern countries, in their need to diversify from dependence on oil revenues, support the growth of the petrochemical industries as a mean to add value to their exports and also to generate employment for local citizens.

Zaheeruddin Ahmed, director of manufacturing for Saudi Plastic Factory, will share his views on how to improve efficiency and profitability in plastic manufacturing along with how to implement lean manufacturing concepts into the plants.

Other keynote speakers will discuss current issues such as the benefits of the Saudi Arabian market as a future plastic converting stronghold and how to drive a qualified and skilled workforce within Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East. – TradeArabia News Service