PLASTEX 2024 celebrates 30th anniversary with focus on pivotal role of plastics and rubber in shaping a circular economy

PLASTEX 2024, the 19th edition of the largest plastics and rubber exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa, opened its doors at the Egypt International Exhibition Cente on Tuesday.

Being held under the patronage of Dr. Moustafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, PLASTEX 2024 runs from 9-12 January. Inaugurated by Engineer Ahmed Samir, Egypt’s Minister of Trade and Industry, and Dr. Yasmin Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, on behalf of the Prime Minister, PLASTEX 2024 marks a new era for the dynamic plastics and rubber industry in the region.

Endorsed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Chamber of Chemical Industries, the Division of Plastics Industries, and the Chemical & Fertilizers Exports Council, PLASTEX 2024 transcends borders as a catalyst for transformation, shaping the next decade through innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for sustainability.

Exceeding expectations

Following a tour of the PLASTEX 2024 exhibition, Engineer Ahmed Samir said: “As the first significant event for plastics and rubber for the Middle East and North Africa, PLASTEX has exceeded our expectations in showcasing the latest industry advancements to contribute in fostering the development of the Egyptian industry and improving the quality of products according to global standards. The aim is to establish Egypt as a central industrial hub in the Middle East and Africa, owing to its potential, distinctive features, and various vital components that enable operational and industrial excellence.

“Egypt stands as a lucrative and strategic market, evident in the level of international participation witnessed in Cairo today. The level of international participation is testament to important global collaboration essential to driving the future of plastics and rubber for Egypt and the region,” he added.

Dr. Yasmin Fouad, the Minister of Environment, commended the enthusiasm and interest of Egyptian manufacturers who participated in the exhibition for applying environmental standards. She appreciated the participation of several companies in recycling solutions and the production of eco-friendly products, and appealed to all Egyptian manufacturers to abide by these standards, particularly those aimed at exporting. She also urged manufacturers to focus on the use of renewable sources of energy, while keeping in mind the circular economy systems, resource conservation, and climate protection.

Forging long-term partnerships

The 2024 edition of PLASTEX expands on its longstanding commitment to forging valuable partnerships in the plastics and rubber industry, serving as a trusted ally for over 30 years. As the premier destination and gateway for global brands, PLASTEX 2024 unlocks the next generation of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, contributing to building a prosperous ecosystem for the future.

“We are thrilled to be back in Cairo for PLASTEX 2024, and to enable distributors, suppliers, and buyers with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in future-forward innovations and trends. It's a platform where we not only strengthen existing partnerships but also forge new ones,” said Salman Abou Hamzeh, Senior Vice President – Energy for dmg events.

“PLASTEX serves as an important destination, uniting the plastics and rubber network and unlocking the potential for development that benefits all industries served by the plastics and rubber products and solutions market, both in Egypt and the wider region. We extend our gratitude to our partners and sponsors and look forward to driving industry progress towards a more resilient and responsible circular economy,” Abou Hamzeh added.

Co-located with Egyplast 

One of the most important events scheduled to take place during Plastex 2024 is simultaneous hosting of Egypt International Plastic & Rubber Products Exhibition (Egyplast), as a sub-event. The main purpose of the exhibition is to be a meeting point between buyers of plastic semi-finished and end products from Egypt, Middle East & Africa from one hand, and Egyptian suppliers (manufactures and/or exporters) of these products and technologies on the other hand.

PLASTEX 2024, in collaboration with Egyplast, convenes a global audience of 30,000 attendees as a platform for essential business matchmaking, networking, and harnessing new opportunities. With over 500 exhibitors playing key contributing roles from more than 50 countries, the exhibition unfolds at the expansive EIEC in Cairo, spanning an impressive 20,000 square meters. International attendees experience unrestricted access to a diverse array of materials, equipment, and technologies spanning over 10+ product categories, catering to a multitude of industries. The showcase boasts 60+ high-tech heavy machinery exhibits and cutting-edge technologies, offering a comprehensive exploration of the latest advancements in the field.

Exciting advancements are on the horizon for Egypt's industrial landscape, with recent government incentives projected to propel industrial production from EGP 4.3 trillion in 2024 to an estimated EGP 5.74 trillion by 2026. This surge creates remarkable opportunities for solutions providers to expand regionally. Egypt, a strategic global destination, continues to position itself as a plastics industry hub in the MENA region, represents untapped potential for the entire value chain of the rubber and plastics industries.

Country-specific products

The exhibition and the international pavilions will feature country-specific products, bringing global expertise and perspectives on sustainability, innovations, and the modern evolution of plastics and rubber products with country pavilions from Germany, India, Turkey, China, as well as new participation from Korea and Kuwait.

As part of the global exhibition, groundbreaking live demonstrations and exhibits will spotlight innovative techniques in both recycling e-waste, unveiling the significant potential for plastic recycling in Egypt amid its industrial growth and recognized innovations in packaging, steering the industry towards sustainable practices aligned with global goals including methods that contribute to a more environmentally conscious approach to waste management.

As the momentum builds and international community address progress here in Cairo, PLASTEX serves as the nexus where global suppliers and regional manufacturers converge to explore, discuss, and collaborate on the ever-evolving market dynamics as a platform where industry leaders unite to foster operational excellence, drive sustainable developments, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the next generation of technology, materials, equipment, and end-to-end solutions. The stage is set to collectively explore the multi-faceted demands of the industry supply and demand chain, paving the way towards a resilient circular economy and an eco-friendly future.

Educational agenda

Enriching minds as a value-added experience for 2024, PLASTEX proudly introduces an exclusive seminar and training programme spanning all four show days led by industry experts from prestigious companies like SIDPEC, INDEVCO Flexible Packaging Division, Electroplast, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and more.

A cornerstone of the 2024 edition, the educational agenda is designed to be an indispensable resource on sustainable industrial development, fostering knowledge sharing and critical skill development to elevate the technical expertise within the region's plastics and rubber industry. Comprehensive training sessions set new standards by equipping industry professionals with the latest insights, strategies, and best practices to upgrade skillsets and harness new opportunities, propelling progress and innovation so attendees not only stay abreast of industry advancements but actively contribute to shaping its future.

For more information and to register for visitor access, visit www.plastexegypt.com