BOBST and industry partners Atlas Converting Equipment, Coim, Daetwyler Graphics, Daetwyler SwissTec, Gascogne Laminates, Kodak and LEMO Maschinenbau, recently held the second Conference of their Africa Flexibles Converting Roadshow 2014 at two venues in South Africa in Durban and Cape Town.
Co-hosted by BOBST agent in South Africa, Beswick Machinery (PTY) Ltd., the event saw the participation of 55 attendees from 25 converting and packaging companies, as well as representatives of the local trade press.
"Despite the challenges that the flexible packaging sector in South Africa is facing in a time of global economic uncertainty and factors like the increase in the cost of raw materials, it is a vibrant industry which continues growing", said Eric Pavone, BOBST Business Director, Business Unit Web-fed. "It is also an industry that fosters innovations taking on board the trends that have become increasingly popular with end-consumers. These range from smaller format packaging for on-the-go consumption to the increased focus on packaging sustainability which is an increasingly important factor driving consumer purchasing choices, the protection of the packaged goods and their extended shelf-life".
Innovation like the AlOx technology for clear high barrier film coating that BOBST has succeeded in making available as a viable industrial solution is just an example of how brand owners and converters can strike the right balance in responding to consumers' demand for packaging sustainability and safety, and industrial competitiveness. "Because BOBST can provide solutions in different flexible packaging converting process we are in the front line of new developments not only as regards AlOx process application, but also the subsequent processes like coating and printing", added Eric Pavone.
"Quite a number of delegates told me they had not realized how significant our presence is in South Africa and the level of resources our customers can rely on for BOBST equipment installed here", commented Bruce Beswick, Director of Beswick Machinery (Pty) Ltd., "We have been the BOBST representative in South Africa for 22 years and can count many very successful installations for both flexible materials and carton packaging. Following my presentation, I received several enquiries about upgrades with special interest for BOBST remote monitoring system Helpline Plus as converters are very keen to keep their machines at peak performance all the time" he concluded.
Several participating guests expressed their appreciation for the conference format. "The technology presentations are focused on value creating solutions that fit well with the development on the packaging industry in the region. We are able to present the perspective of a brand owner as representatives of the local Nestlé company joined the events as guest speakers. The networking sessions resulted in productive discussions being held amongst all participants. This has definitely proved a winning formula", concluded Eric Pavone.
Kenya and Algeria are the next venues for the BOBST & Partners Africa Roadshow 2014.
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