HCMC hosts exhibition to accelerate Vietnam’s printing-packaging industry

VietnamPrintPack 2024, the 22nd International Exhibition on Machinery and Equipment for the Packaging and Printing Industry, took place in Ho Chi Minh City on September 18-21 to help boost the local highly potential packaging and printing industry.

Under the Vietnamese government’s commitment to achieve net-zero by 2050, the VietnamPrintPack 2024, held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, aimed to bridge the gap between trade expansion and sustainable practices.

The exhibition featured an executive seminar themed “Unpacking net-zero emission: new global strategy for the print & pack supply chain,” focusing on the consumer goods sector. The seminar gathered industry leaders like Samsung Electronics Vietnam, SIG Group, Detmold Group, and Circo, among others, highlighting how the industry can innovate and meet the demands of global value chains while advancing sustainability.

“The organizers and guest speakers today really wish to create an integrated platform within this conference room where we not only can hear from our esteemed industry leaders but also network with our VIP guests from 20 companies across the industry value chain.

“We therefore hope you all can propel your businesses and join a hand to achieve our Net-zero target for Vietnam and the region,” Phuong Nguyen, managing partner at CCX Partners, shared in her opening remark.

The seminar attracted over 50 executives from more than 20 companies, including notable players such as Amcor, Ecolean, and Evonik. Discussions ranged from regulatory changes in key export markets, such as the EU, to the critical need for investment in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. These conversations are particularly relevant as demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions grows in tandem with the global shift towards circular economies.

High growth potential

Vietnam’s packaging industry is flourishing, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15–20%, supported by over 14,000 active enterprises, including both foreign direct investment (FDI) ventures and local firms.

Despite facing emerging challenges, the sector continues to evolve through innovation and a commitment to sustainability. Vietnam’s favorable economic landscape, coupled with a robust network of 17 trade agreements, positions the packaging sector as a prime destination for growth and investment.

This potential is further underscored by the remarkable $1.42 billion worth of shipments of paper and paper products recorded in January-August 2024, reinforcing the country’s attractiveness as a thriving export market, according to government data.

Vietnam’s packaging sector is well-positioned to benefit from the global shift towards sustainable trade. According to industry estimates, the sector could see increased FDI inflows, with a focus on innovations in digital printing, biodegradable materials, and efficient recycling technologies.

In addition, the country’s strategic location within ASEAN and access to major trade routes amplify its potential as a regional manufacturing hub, especially for multinational corporations seeking to streamline their supply chains in Asia.

Trang Nguyen, head of product marketing at Samsung Electronics Vietnam, shared how Samsung’s global supply chain is being reconfigured to meet sustainability targets, including innovations in product packaging lifecycle management. Her insights highlighted the crucial role that packaging plays in meeting the expectations of environmentally-conscious consumers worldwide.

Panel discussions throughout the seminar explored challenges such as access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), talent shortages, and the complexity of integrating sustainability into operations.

Huy Bui, supply chain director at Detmold Group Vietnam, offered his experience helping local suppliers align with the sustainability standards required by international clients such as McDonald's and Uber Eats. His perspective emphasized the need for Vietnamese firms to adopt a global outlook to compete effectively.

In the afternoon, the Innovation Forum was spearheaded by Parinyapon Klinted, regional sustainability manager at SIG Group, who delivered a compelling presentation on the latest advancements in sustainable materials and recycling innovations pioneered by SIG.

Her insights offered a visionary perspective on how innovative packaging solutions can drive the industry's transition towards a circular economy, positioning SIG at the forefront of sustainability leadership.

To further enhance the audience’s understanding of supply chain integration, Huy Bui from Detmold Group Vietnam shared his invaluable expertise in aligning local suppliers with the stringent sustainability standards required by Detmold’s international clientele, including industry giants like McDonald's and Uber Eats. His hands-on experience underscored the critical role of collaboration in ensuring compliance with global sustainability benchmarks.

This session culminated in an engaging panel discussion that delved into pressing operational challenges, the need for skilled talent, and groundbreaking innovations. The discussion also explored the crucial question of how Vietnamese suppliers in the printing and packaging sector can successfully enter and thrive within global supply chains while embracing sustainability as a core principle.

The seminar was characterized by a palpable sense of enthusiasm and commitment from industry leaders, all eager to contribute to Vietnam's sustainable development agenda. This aligns with the Vietnamese government’s ambitious vision of becoming a leader in sustainable practices, particularly in the packaging industry.

VietnamPrintPack 2024’s scale and impacts

VietnamPrintPack 2024 achieved an impressive scale when bringing together nearly 400 exhibitors from 17 countries and territories, including leading global markets such as Australia, China, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and more.

Spanning over 19,850 square meters, this expansive event showcased the latest advancements in printing and packaging technology, reflecting the growing international interest in Vietnam’s booming industry.

Organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in collaboration with Vinexad Trade Fair and Advertising Joint Stock Company and Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co., Ltd., this year's exhibition exceeded all expectations, attracting more than 20,660 visitors. Industry experts, local stakeholders, and international partners convened to explore new avenues for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth within the sector.

The executive seminar, designed by CCX Partners in collaboration with Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co., Ltd., marked the first of three industry-focused seminars aimed at fostering high-level discussions on sustainability, innovation, and trade integration.

By bringing together VIP guests and thought leaders from across the value chain, this initiative is set to further accelerate Vietnam’s trajectory as a key player in the global packaging and printing landscape.