Saudi Arabia has emerged as the region's leader in the packaging sector, accounting for up to 70 per cent of the GCC market, which is estimated to be worth over $2 billion, according to an expert.

A key factor in the country's increasing demand for new packaging solutions has been the impressive growth of Saudi Arabia's food manufacturing industry as well as sustained industrial and urbanisation initiatives being implemented across the country, said Kamil Al Jawhari, project manager of 'Saudi Pack 2009' – The 9th International Packing Machinery and Materials Show, which begins next month.

The expo highlights the robust shape of Saudi Arabia's packaging sector as it expects a 45 per cent increase in participation this year, with Saudi products accounting for up to 35 per cent of the exhibition.

Organised by Riyadh Exhibitions Company, Saudi Pack 2009 will be held from October 18 to 21 at the newly built Riyadh International Exhibition Centre, one of the region's most advanced exhibition facilities.

The event will witness world's leading technology vendors and distributors as well as prospective buyers discuss the future growth of the packaging industry.

Over the past few years, numerous food manufacturing plants have been established all over Saudi Arabia, while more then 600 new facilities are set to be built within the next few years, consequently increasing the need for a diverse range of food packaging solutions, products and machinery, Al Jawhari pointed out.

The growing number of light industries and increasing construction activity have likewise driven the demand for specialised packaging material and machinery such as plastic packaging, metal containers, double-lined bags, corrugated boxes, as well as packaging for cement, paint, pharmaceuticals, electrical and lighting products, and several other materials, he added.

'Saudi Arabia already accounts for three-fourths of the entire GCC market, while new industrialisation and property development initiatives are expected to further drive demand for a diverse range of packaging solutions for food, pharmaceuticals, construction equipment and several other product categories in the country,' he observed.

'Saudi Pack 2009 will thus serve as an important platform where potential buyers can source and select the best packaging solutions that meet their unique preferences. The event will also create a perfect gateway for domestic and international suppliers to capitalise on excellent growth and business opportunities tied to the massive present and future packaging requirements of Saudi Arabia,' added Al Jawhari.

Saudi Pack 2009 will showcase a comprehensive range of packing solutions from diverse categories, including filling machinery, wrapping machinery, spare parts, food packaging equipment, packaging materials, packaging supplies, consumer goods packaging, industrial packaging equipment, paper production equipment, and design and fabrication services.

Leading players including Al Sharq Flexible Packaging Factory, Ghandoura Factory for Filling & Packaging, Savola Packaging Systems, Al Aoun for Comm. Lables & Flexible Packagings Co., GS Packaging, Gulf Packaging System Co., Integrated Packaging Systems, Jamjoom Packaging, National Packaging Products Co.-Watan Pack, Obeikan Investment Group and Saudi Printing & Packaging Co will take part.

The expo will be held concurrently with Saudi Petrochem 2009 – The 4th International Exhibition for Chemicals and Chemical Technology Industry; Saudi Plas 2009 – The 9th International Plastics Technology Show; and Saudi Print 2009 – The 9th International Pre-press and Printing Technology Exhibition.

Collectively branded as 'Saudi PPPP 2009,' the concurrent events seek to leverage Saudi Arabia's status as the Middle East's fastest-growing market for the pet