Shanghai World of Packaging (swop), jointly organized by Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) and Adsale Exhibition Services, took place from November 18 to 20, 2024, at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.
As a member of the interpack alliance, the global packaging trade fair swop 2024 presented the latest advancements and cutting-edge solutions spanning the entire packaging industry. The exhibition spotlighted key trends such as digitalization, automation, intelligent packaging, and functional packaging, while addressing pressing industry challenges including cost efficiency, lightweight design, green and low-carbon environmental solutions, and overall sustainability. In response to the rapidly evolving packaging landscape, swop transitioned to an annual event starting this year, marking a new milestone in the exhibition’s history.
The official launch of swop 2024 took place on the morning of November 18 with a press conference at SNIEC (Shanghai New International Expo Center). The event was attended by Ms. Evian Gu, General Manager of Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.; Ms. Zhu Mingyi, Vice Chairman of Adsale Group; and Mr. Thomas Dohse, Director interpack of Messe Düsseldorf. More than 30 leading media representatives were also present, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Over 900 Exhibitors and International Pavilions Highlight Emerging Trends in Packaging
swop 2024 spanned over 65,000 square meters, bringing together more than 900 exhibitors from China and around the world. National pavilions from countries such as Germany, the United States, Finland, Spain, and others showcased their innovative products and technologies. The event offered a wealth of packaging solutions and insights, serving as a comprehensive platform for sourcing and networking across the full spectrum of the processing and packaging industry.
Introduces buyer-centric routes to streamline exhibitor-buyer interactions
To facilitate efficient and targeted matchmaking between buyers and exhibitors, swop 2024 debuted a “buyer-centric” navigation model. With three themed routes—each containing 12 custom-designed pathways—trade buyers addressed their specific needs with precision. These thematic routes guided visitors through intelligent packaging solutions, packaging container production, and specialized materials, optimizing their experience and ensuring they connect with the right suppliers to improve traceability, efficiency, accuracy, and production yields.
Multiple Concurrent Forums and Events Illuminate the Latest Trends
As intelligent technologies continue to advance, new sustainable regulations are introduced, and green materials are increasingly explored, the packaging industry is rapidly progressing towards a future that is both more efficient and sustainable. In response to these trends, swop 2024 hosted a series of dynamic forums and events, bringing together industry experts to provide in-depth insights into the latest developments in packaging. These forums and events served as platforms for discussion and collaboration, focusing on the critical issues shaping the future of the packaging sector:
- 2024 SAVE FOOD Forum and Awarding Ceremony for Save Food Design Award & Sustainability Design Award China
This year, for the fourth consecutive time, swop partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) China Office to host the SAVE FOOD Forum. The forum brought together leading experts from government agencies, research institutions, and the food processing, packaging, and supply chain sectors to discuss key issues in the packaging industry, including the role of women in leadership, the contribution of packaging to reducing food loss and waste, and the challenges posed by climate change and shifting consumption patterns in urban food systems. Over 200 distinguished guests attended, creating a vibrant and engaging environment. Additionally, Messe Düsseldorf joined forces with the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), FAO China, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to present the Awarding Ceremony for Save Food Design Award & Sustainability Design Award China, adding a celebratory highlight to the forum.
- 2024 E-commerce Packaging green results innovation display and Packaging digital intelligence development trend seminar
Through in-depth e-commerce industry analysis, keynote presentations, and showcases of innovative achievements, the seminar explored pioneering topics such as advances in food packaging, customized e-commerce packaging solutions, green material adoption, sustainable progress in flexographic printing, and the role of recyclable crates in eco-friendly logistics. Representatives from companies like Perfetti Van Melle and Konica Minolta shared insights and showcased their latest e-commerce packaging products. The seminar not only fostered communication and collaboration across the packaging industry but also infused fresh momentum into digital intelligence and green sustainability goals for the sector.
- 2024 Industry-University-Research Cooperation Conference on Packaging Industry and 2024 Training Course for Green Packaging Engineers
In response to the growing global emphasis on sustainability and heightened consumer environmental awareness, this event focused on advancing China’s green development strategy. Discussions drove the packaging industry toward low-carbon, circular, and biodegradable solutions, contributing to the sector’s transformation into a more sustainable and environmentally conscious industry.
- Launch Event for Cutting-edge Packaging Materials with A Focus on Innovation and Green Development
Prominent figures from the plastics industry gathered to discuss the pivotal role of raw material innovation in advancing green packaging. Attendees witnessed the unveiling of several groundbreaking materials, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to sustainable progress. In response to evolving global regulations and emerging export trade challenges, swop collaborated with SGS experts to provide an in-depth analysis of key regulations, including the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the integration of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in food packaging. This collaboration offered enterprises valuable compliance guidance and insights into market opportunities. The event facilitated industry-wide exchanges and provided substantial support to help businesses stay competitive in green packaging trends.
- Customer Acquisition: A Forum on New Opportunities for Cross-border E-commerce Development in the B-end Market
With the global trade environment showing signs of improvement in 2024, this forum offered valuable insights to Chinese domestic trade and manufacturing enterprises seeking to expand into foreign markets. Participants gained targeted strategies and practical guidance for navigating international trade challenges, empowering them to seize new opportunities in the global market.
On November 19, swop 2024 featured a series of engaging events, including the Food Equipment and Intelligent Manufacturing (Shanghai) Forum, Sustainable Future, a journey through the life cycle of sustainable packaging, the 2024 Youngsun Intelligent Carnival, and the Overseas Business Matchmaking Meeting, among many others. These events addressed critical topics such as food processing, green and sustainable packaging, and business matchmaking, offering a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
With the full support of associations from both home and abroad convening, swop 2024 drew on its extensive network to foster these partnerships. Key collaborators include the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), the Shanghai Packaging Technology Association (PTA), the Food Equipment and Intelligent Manufacturing Branch of the China Food and Packaging Machinery Industry Association (CIFST), and the Machinery Industry Branch of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), among others. Furthermore, swop 2024 received robust support from hundreds of industry associations across various sectors, including food, daily chemicals, plastics, and printing and packaging, both domestically and internationally. Visitors from around the globe travelled great distances to attend this premier packaging event. The exhibition hall was alive with a vibrant business atmosphere, showcasing the dynamic energy of the global packaging industry.
Over the course of three days, swop 2024 in Shanghai served as a pivotal platform for exploring the latest trends and innovations within the packaging sector.