PAMEX 2026 will focus on the ‘Future is Eco-tech’

PAMEX will return in 2026 from January 27-30, 2026 with the theme ‘Future is Eco-tech.’ Here, Anil Arora, President, Print-Packaging.Com Private Limited, gives a peek into what to expect at the show.

P&P: How would you sum up PAMEX 2024? What were the major highlights of PAMEX 2024?

Anil: PAMEX is a biennial event. The 2024 event was happening just after 11 months of the previous edition in a bid to return to its original calendar after the disruption caused by Covid. This is also the year of drupa that is happening after a gap of 8 years. Belying all apprehensions that some stakeholders had expressed about efficacy of an event in middle of the two shows, PAMEX 2024 saw a record visitor turnout and unprecedented on-venue sales.

P&P: What aspects of the event do you feel were particularly successful?

Anil: While the 2023 edition of PAMEX was also a remarkable success, it represented the coming-out-of-covid euphoria and a lot of pent-up demand. In the intervening period the businesses had started finding their feet and were witnessing a spurt in growth while experiencing the practical aspects of the trends of ‘convergence’ highlighted by us in the last edition. The current event provided the printers the opportunity to take a critical look at the available technologies to fulfil their immediate expansion plans and it was reflected in the record onsite sales and enquiries.

A record number of Indian exhibitors are headed for drupa this time (Over 80 as per last reports). Some of the participants used the platform provided by PAMEX to unveil or test-market their exhibits. The organisers of drupa were also present, disseminating information about the event. This edition was thus positioned perfectly for the industry as an intermediate event that saw printers fulfilling their immediate requirements fuelled by a growing market even as they look forward to the global event that’s expected to showcase a quantum jump in technologies.

P&P: How satisfied were the exhibitors with their experience at the expo?

Anil: The feedback from the exhibitors has been entirely positive. They now regard PAMEX as an event that gives them the maximum ROI besides working as a catalyst for the trends and direction of the industry. Their endorsement was also evident in the re-bookings with increased space as more than sixty five percent of the target bookings for the 2026 edition were already completed within two weeks of this edition.

P&P: What are your plans for PAMEX 2026?

Anil: The 2026 edition is expected to move to the new pillarless hall no 6 at the same venue as the Hall 1 would be taken up for reconstruction. The show, being held in three halls, should see a strong growth again and we project over 25% increase in terms of net area.

Like in the recent editions, the show would have a theme- ‘Future Is Ecotech’.

This time, we focus on the emerging technologies that represent an improvement in productivity with minimum impact on environment.

P&P: Please elaborate on the theme “Future is Eco-tech” for PAMEX 2026.

Anil: The print & packaging industry has a responsibility, both as an employer and as a consumer of raw materials, to setup and meet environmental goals. The 2026 event will have a special focus on sustainable and degradable materials, energy efficient machines and innovative print and packaging processes that while improving efficiencies also contribute to the sustainability goals. Industry 4.0 with its digital technologies and processes is the key to achieving these goals and will be on demonstration.

P&P: Anything else you would like to add?

Anil: The spurt of growth in B towns in the recent months has been the talk of the industry. All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) has received feedback from both prospective exhibitors and visitors about the desirability of organising regional printing events. It has recently carried out an intensive survey among PAMEX exhibitors. Expect some announcement soon!