Paper Arabia 2014 closed on strong note, with a focus on the use of eco-friendly and green technologies in the production of paper and paper products.
Studies conducted by the first-of-its-kind industry expo which concluded today Tuesday (September 23, 2014) and attracted over 8,000 trade visitors, revealed that the event has grown in stature as the corrugated packaging boards registered highest consumption among other paper products, activating more trade operations in the sector. Organisers of the show said that this has ignited more interest at the three day show with the addition of corrugated and carton industries to the line-up in this edition.
The highlights of this year’s edition of the show, one of the fastest growing specialised exhibitions in the region, was the push toward green technologies as exhibitors and trade visitors agreed that the futuristic vision of the paper industry is relevant to the implementation of eco-friendly technologies and solutions.
According to the organisers, exhibitors at Paper Arabia 2014 are playing a key role in changing the traditional paper scene in the world, as the industry is adopting digital presses or expanding sustainability. The show highlighted key achievements made in the paper industry in standardising green procurement, minimising waste and environmental impact and pursuing resource efficiency in raw materials.
“We are upbeat about the paper industry which we think has great potential for further growth as far as green technologies are concerned. Among the participants were companies that have Dubai as their main headquarters for Africa and Asia, a demonstration of the pivotal part the Emirate is playing in exporting green solutions to the region,” said Lamyae Zafati, Exhibition Manager of Paper Arabia 2014.
The U.A.E. has certainly emerged as a leader in the distribution of quality paper and it is making rapid strides in producing paper.
Paper Arabia organisers said that the show witnessed international movement toward using the artificial pulp which is a highly fibrillated fiber similar to wood pulp. This kind of raw material can expand design potentiality in paper products as well as minimise the impact on environment.
Zafati added: “Exhibitors at Paper Arabia 2014 demonstrated their role in achieving sustainability, accelerating the use of proven conservation measures while devising newer practices.” She said: “The myth of linking paper usage to environmental issues belongs to the past, thanks to all these new eco-friendly technologies. In fact, according to the American Forest and Paper Association (AFPA), there was more forest land in America in 2010 than there was in 1900.” According to the AFPA, the North American paper industry recovered 53.4 per cent or 53.5 million tons of paper from landfills. “Relying on recovered paper is significant in this industry. Approximately 80 per cent of mills in North America do so and approximately one-third rely on recovered paper exclusively,” added Zafati.
Zafati said, “Paper product trading is growing on a steady basis due to the fact that more global names in the paper industry are finding their way in the region. The U.A.E. has succeeded in enriching the operation of this industry as it currently hosts many paper mills and a large number of allied companies.” Major paper products suppliers said that Dubai acts as a springboard for the expansion of their operations because of easy access and cost competitiveness compared to other re-export hubs.
Since its debut, Paper Arabia have proved to be a must attend exhibition for all paper industry professionals in the Middle East region.
The show allowed Middle Eastern, African and Asian buyers, traders and manufacturers to truly experience the production process onsite through actual tutorial by running the machines on the exhibition floor.
Zafati concluded, “We have connected with several industry players to give added value to Paper Arabia visitors that no other show can give them. Suppliers have actually run their machinery onsite producing actual paper products, making the show an ideal meeting point for paper professionals in the world and the region.”
Source : WAM News Agency for United Arab Emirates
