Amid campaign versus plastics, 250 local brands, 30 countries to join Manila packaging fair

Joseph Ross S. Jocson, president of Asia Packaging Federation, said at the ProPak pre-event conference, that the packaging industry is a major part in all industries, particularly food.

With the move to impose tax on single use plastics, Jocson said this could raise prices of packaging if there are no alternative packaging in place. The Department of Finance was already looking at P31 billion worth of revenue from higher taxes on plastics.

Jocson said that if such move is approved and implemented, companies that are using plastic packaging will suffer and eventually the consumers will bear the brunt the high taxes on the goods they purchased.

That’s why, he said, many big companies are also becoming more innovative in their packaging.

Jocson suggested the need to look at local materials that can be used for local produce noting that majority of packaging are imported. The industry is also cooperating to reduce the pollution in the oceans brought about by the heavy usage of plastic packaging.

Meantime, Grace F. Baluyan, trade and industry assistant secretary for regional operations, said that enterprises in the regions, which are largely MSMEs, have always been looking forward to attending the annual event.

In fact, Baluyan said that local government units are also helping their local enterprises in the procurement of equipment.

For the first time, the event will spotlight local talent and innovation, featuring product samples curated by the Design Center of the Philippines. This initiative aims to celebrate Filipino creativity and ingenuity in packaging and innovation, providing a platform for local designers and manufacturers to present their innovative solutions to the market.

5th edition of ProPak Philippines has received continuous support from national and professional organizations such as the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry , Department of Science and Technology, and industry associations—including the Philippine Association of Food Technologists Inc., Philippine Printing Technical Foundation, Production and Operations Management Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, and many more—this event promises to be a significantly yearly gathering for professionals in the processing and packaging sectors to meet face-to-face with industry experts to inspire business opportunities.

The event also brings the international knowledge to the Philippines with strong international partnerships, such as Australasian Institute of the Packaging, Active and Intelligent Packaging Industry Association from the Netherlands, and Asia Packaging Federation. These collaborations highlight the event’s commitment to fostering innovation and sharing knowledge across borders.

“It is our mission that ProPak Philippines gathers the most innovative and sustainable, yet cost-effective processing technology, packaging technology, and packaging solutions for the country from our exhibitors and partners in the Philippines and around the world, providing these technologies and seeking opportunities in the country’s massive food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and FMCG constantly shifting demands.

 There’s no denying that AI will impact new product development, packaging designs, and manufacturing optimization – all of which will result in more sustainable products & packaging, maintain & improve product quality and shelf-life.

While AI may not be the main focus at ProPak Philippines 2025, a good number of machines offered by our exhibitors are AI-integrated or AI-ready, and you will find industry & technology conference & seminar topics co-organized by our partners touching on AI within the specific needs for the consumer demands of the Philippines.”

With over 50 conference sessions and 60 speakers will gather during ProPak Philippines 2025 to divulge their trends & trades secrets through conferences and seminars tailor-fit for industry leaders, stakeholders, and professionals, providing the learning space to upskill & knowledge advancement, accelerating the industry, and move the country forward.