Packaging industry specialists will share knowledge on topics such as sustainable development, recyclability, packaging design, food safety, and production efficiency at the Propak Cape 2026 event. The Institute of Packaging South Africa (IPSA) is organizing a free seminar program running parallel to the exhibition.
The program will focus on studying trends, developments, and challenges shaping the packaging industry, including sessions dedicated to the circular economy, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), recycling, plastics, and packaging innovations.
The Propak Cape event will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from October 27 to 29, 2026.
The program will begin with a presentation by IPSA National Secretary, Bill Marshall, who will share key insights on the latest packaging design trends identified through the Gold Pack 2026 Awards and the Student Gold Pack Awards.
Special attention will be given to sustainability and the circular economy. Edwin Botha, an employee of Fibre Circle responsible for life cycle assessment and recyclability, will examine the gap between sustainability and recyclability in packaging design.
Masale Manoko, Head of Sustainable Development for Sub-Saharan Africa at Tetra Pak, will explore how collaboration, technology, infrastructure investment, community empowerment, and consumer education can contribute to the growth of the cardboard collection and recycling economy in South Africa.
New recycling solutions will also be presented: Manuel Cortizo from Bobst will demonstrate the company's One Barrier program, and Sasha Skora, Senior Sales Director at Reifenhäuser Blown Film GmbH, will present EVO GEN3 films for the circular economy.
The topic of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the circular economy will be covered throughout the program, with sessions addressing governance, regulation, compliance, and the future of the South African packaging industry.
Speakers include Dr. Kishan Singh, Janine Osborne, Keith Anderson, McGabo van Niekerk, and Telli Chauke.
The program will also address practical industry issues, such as food safety and the FSSC 22000 Version 7 standard updates, with participation from Antoinette Maak. Managing ethylene in fresh produce will be discussed with Lianne Jones, glass recycling with Shabir Jetham, and the state of the plastics industry with Annabe Pretorius.
Additional sessions will cover static management on packaging production lines and technologies that can help protect profits and accelerate growth.
Propak Cape 2026: Dates and Registration
Propak Cape 2026 will take place from October 27 to 29, 2026, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Visitors will have the opportunity to explore solutions in packaging, food processing, plastics, printing, and labeling, as well as network with technical specialists and industry experts.