Many nations within the continent boast suitable agro-climatic conditions that allow for the production of diverse agricultural commodities yet these same countries continue to rely on the import of large quantities of food and other agricultural products. Despite a general increase in export of manufactured goods, imports of raw commodities have also increased significantly. Moreover, Africa’s exports are mainly dominated by raw materials highlighting how less and less of its commodities are being processed locally.

Agro-processing which covers post-harvest activities carried out for the preservation and preparation of raw material for final consumption or other purposes is essential for sustained and accelerated economic growth, food security, job creation and poverty reduction. Agro-processing also has the ability to boost ancillary economic activities in the tertiary sector.

Developing ways to process, preserve, package and store food safely.  This includes physical, mechanical, chemical, and biological procedures which modify foodstuffs aesthetically, nutritionally, texturally, and organoleptically

The presentation will cover the importance of optimising hygiene in Africa’s food and beverage manufacturing facilities focusing on drainage design features that are critical to hygiene.
 

Ishida East Africa is a subsidiary of Ishida Europe, the world market leader in the design, manufacturing and installation of complete weighing, packaging and quality control solutions for the food industry. 

The presentation will delve into – 

• Global food safety challenges.  
• Key food safety concerns for the manufacturer
• Why do we need safety and quality control in food packaging?
• What pains can automation in food safety and quality control ease or remove?
• Strategy behind x-ray inspection, checkweigher / metal detector and leak detection. 
• Having Ishida as a automation partner.
• Importance of Aftersales and Industry 4.0.

Cardboard and paper packaging has long been common practice in numerous African countries but globally, based on total value paid, plastic has been capturing more market share year after year because its costs have steadily decreased and it is more flexible and adaptable for packaging of differing colors, textures, and sizes. Yet, there is an ongoing debate within the East African community countries over whether plastic packaging is appropriate going forward for very justifiable environmental reasons

Packaging has an important role to play in addressing our waste crisis and climate change challenges. Packaging development today requires a systems-based approach to the innovation process and embedding of new packaging design principles and best practice, for brands to thrive in the future.  Essentially it prompts decision-makers to carefully consider what they would change on their packaging to make it more environmentally sustainable, providing some practical example and case studies.

As the whole world is getting back to “normal” packaging design and design aesthetics have also developed enormously. 2022 is expected to be an excellent year for packaging design trends. These include minimalistic designs, interactive packaging materials and textured packaging.

There is an increasing demand for automated solutions within the packaging industry. Companies are adopting automated solutions for more innovative products to be delivered.   Automated solutions aid reductions in labor costs and keep up with global supply trends.  The packaging machinery industry is rapidly shifting to technology to develop innovative solutions for future-ready packaging and advanced processing, manufacturing, and supply chain models.

Latest innovations, machine automation, 3D printing, latest trends and solutions within the printing and packaging industry

The changing environment brings about innovative changes in these industries and demand that OEMs and service providers adapt their value propositions to customers accordingly. It is to the advantage of both the customer and the OEM to identify and embrace these new opportunities and emerging technologies. Implementing them early on into a label or packaging printing business goes a long way in gaining a competitive advantage. Soon, product packaging will feature advanced functionalities along with serving its fundamental purpose.

Functionality and cost continue to remain the most important factors for brand owners. Ideally, they want the same quality and better performance at a fraction of the cost. As a result, innovation and new technologies are critical to providing and enabling label printing and packaging companies with printing solutions which cost less and provide improved functionality and performance.

The ROTOCON R&D department, its engineers, and its 15 international brand partners track these trends and are on the front foot to provide cutting edge technology and tailor-made turnkey solutions for label printing and packaging printers. We are committed to continue learning from our clients and industry trends, recommend the ideal solution to meet customer needs, and build long-term sustainable and profitable business relationships.
 

The presentation will cover Intelligent Automation solutions, new engineering and enhanced technical features that increase productivity and reduce wastage ensuring high quality printing of wrap around labels, shrink sleeves, sachets, various pouches, other food packaging, paper cups, paper sacks and wrappings