PLASTIVISION Arabia, the  international plastics exhibition and conference, which is scheduled to be held at Expo Centre Sharjah in 2016, is set to generate considerable buzz within one of the fastest growing sectors in the manufacturing industry in the Middle East – packaging.

“Aimed at taking advantage of the favourable market conditions and timing it along with other industry gatherings, the show dates have been advanced from April to January with the third edition of the biennial show now planned to be held from January 10 to 13, 2016,” a statement from Expo Centre Sharjah said.

“The third Plastivision Arabia will build on the impressive launch of the show in 2012 and its repeat performance in 2014. Taking into consideration the favourable market condition, we have also decided to advance the show dates, which will benefit both exhibitors and visitors alike,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

Expo Centre Sharjah will continue to partner with the All India Plastics Manufacturers Association (AIPMA), the oldest and the largest apex body of the plastic industry in India, for the upcoming edition of Plastivision Arabia.

Plastivision Arabia 2014 featured more than 150 exhibitors in 14,000 sq m of exhibition space. The show had registered a 40 per cent rise in exhibition space occupied and the visitor turnout stood at an impressive 7,277.

“The event has become a ‘must-visit’ within the industry largely due to a rise in demand for packaging, with the packaging market being seen as one of the fastest growing sectors in the Middle East,” the Expo Centre statement said.

“Manufacturers have benefited in a big way from bulk import and repackaging demand from the GCC given the tax-free, cheaper manufacturing costs and re-export advantage. The GCC is one of the largest re-export markets for food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, leading to a booming packaging market.”

The international trade fair for mouldmaking, Arabia Mold, will be held alongside Plastivision Arabia 2016. The 3rd Arabia Mould will be held in association with Demat, the organiser of world-renowned EuroMold trade show and will feature mould-making and tooling machines, design and application development machines and equipment.