April 2026 was a landmark month for the packaging and manufacturing sectors, marked by two of the industry’s most prominent global trade events. First, WEPACK—the world-renowned trade event dedicated to the entire packaging and printing value chain—was held from April 15–17, 2026, at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. Barely a week later, industry leaders convened at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) in Hongqiao, Shanghai, for CHINAPLAS 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for the plastics and rubber industries, which ran from April 21–24, 2026. In this exclusive FEATURE ARTICLE by Ankan Graphics Limited, Business Development Manager Bharat Kumar Kaleeswaran shares expert insights on how cutting-edge machinery, raw materials, automation technologies, and sustainable circular-economy solutions are shaping the future of our industry. Read the excerpt below:
During our recent visit to WEPACK 2026 and CHINAPLAS 2026 in China, Ankan Graphics Limited had the opportunity to witness some of the most advanced technologies currently transforming the global packaging, printing, and manufacturing industries. Both exhibitions served as important platforms for machinery manufacturers, technology developers, and packaging professionals to showcase innovations aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, automation, and product quality.
The 38th edition of the world’s leading trade fair for the plastics and rubber industries, CHINAPLAS 2026, highlighted the latest developments in plastics and rubber manufacturing technologies. The exhibition featured advanced extrusion systems, injection moulding machines, blow moulding equipment, thermoforming solutions, recycling technologies, biodegradable material processing systems, and smart manufacturing solutions.
A major focus of the exhibition was sustainability, with manufacturers presenting machinery capable of processing recycled materials, reducing energy consumption, and supporting environmentally friendly production practices. The increasing global emphasis on sustainable packaging was evident throughout the exhibition, with many companies introducing innovative materials and production methods to reduce environmental impact. The exhibition also showcased Industry 5.0 technologies, including artificial intelligence-driven process controls, machine monitoring systems, predictive maintenance solutions, and fully integrated smart factory platforms. These technologies enable manufacturers to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimise production processes through real-time data analysis and automation.
On the other hand, WEPACK 2026 provided a comprehensive view of the latest innovations across the entire packaging industry chain, particularly within the corrugated packaging, folding carton, paper converting, and printing sectors. As demand for corrugated packaging continues to grow worldwide, the exhibition featured high-speed corrugators capable of producing board at significantly higher speeds while maintaining superior quality and reducing waste.
One of the most impressive developments showcased at WEPACK 2026 was the growing adoption of automation throughout corrugated box manufacturing. Visitors were able to observe fully automated production lines incorporating robotic material handling systems, automatic board feeding units, intelligent stackers, and automated logistics solutions.
These technologies help manufacturers reduce labor dependency, improve operational consistency, and increase production capacity. Advanced flexographic printing presses were another major highlight of the exhibition. Manufacturers introduced machines equipped with servo-driven technology, automatic registration systems, digital control interfaces, and rapid job changeover capabilities. These innovations allow converters to achieve high-quality print results while reducing setup times and material wastage.
The exhibition also featured next-generation folder-gluers, die-cutting machines, laminators, flute laminators, paper sheeters, and digital finishing equipment. Many of these machines incorporated smart automation features that simplify operation, enhance productivity, and improve product quality. Digital inspection systems capable of identifying defects in real time attracted significant interest from packaging producers seeking to maintain strict quality standards.
Another important trend observed during WEPACK 2026 was the increasing integration of digital technologies into conventional packaging production. Machine manufacturers demonstrated cloud-based monitoring systems, remote diagnostics, production analytics platforms, and predictive maintenance solutions. These technologies enable factory managers to monitor equipment performance remotely and make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency and profitability.
For the Nigerian and wider West African markets, these innovations present significant opportunities. As packaging demand continues to increase across food and beverage, pharmaceutical, agriculture, personal care, and e-commerce sectors, manufacturers require equipment capable of delivering higher productivity, better quality, and greater operational efficiency.
The technologies showcased at both CHINAPLAS 2026 and WEPACK 2026 provide practical solutions to these challenges and represent the future direction of the global packaging industry. Our visit reinforced Ankan Graphics LTD’s commitment to identifying and introducing world-class technologies that support the growth and modernization of the West African packaging sector. By working closely with leading global manufacturers, we aim to ensure that businesses in the region have access to innovative machinery and production solutions that enhance competitiveness, improve quality standards, and support sustainable long-term growth.
Concurrently, I led key customers on a tour of our Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) factories. They saw firsthand our world-class manufacturing, assembly, and configuration processes. They were thoroughly impressed by the strict quality and manufacturing processes, all of which are backed by global standards like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). We invite you to contact us for all your flexo, printing, and packaging needs through our dedicated 24/7 line +234 904 999 5678 or visit www.ankangroup.com for more.
Though 2027 WEPACK’s specific dates are yet to be finalized as of the time of this report, the 2027 editions of both shows are confirmed to take place also in April, anchored by CHINAPLAS from April 13–16, 2027. So, save the dates and see you next year at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao’an) in Shenzhen, China!
