5th PROPAK PHILIPPINES Slated February at the World Trade Center

Another day, another year for PROPAK PHILIPPINES. This is the largest processing, packaging and trade event in the country. They are celebrating their 5th year this 2025 and is slated to run on February 12 to 14 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City. 

Their secretariat expects over 250 exhibitors not only from the Philippines but also other countries. Foot traffic this time is around 12,000 composed of trade visitors, buyers, and business owners especially in the MSME sectors. This is the place to see the latest developments in packaging, designs and innovation. They also are gearing towards sustainability, and more tech that follows food safety standards.

Ms. Apple from Informa Markets says "We have been so grateful for DTI's support, and for their unending help on ProPak, we will make sure all tech will be available on the show store not just locally but also for international clientele. We have a platform for educating which will also coincide with the event."

Commissioner Joseph Jocson of Asian Packaging Federation says "In the past, we often go to Thailand for Propak and now it's here on their 5th, and we support the regional ProPak events in other ASEAN countries. This is the platform for knowledge sharing, and we continue to promote it with sustainability. By actively engaging with this, we contribute to the growth, knowledge and business development which will be beneficial for the industry. MSME's are an integral part of our economy and we can showcase the world of what we have here. New trends are coming out, and it is very crucial, and we have to embrace different solutions in the region. We have to localize packaging design, adapt, foster innovation and align global standards since we export them to other countries. Digitalization is a big help especially for those who couldn't do big inventories."

Ms. Grace from DTI says "For our MSME's, we have different activities and we are excited not just for them but our partner agencies, so they could see and provide information for their respective regions. They purchase machines, ask what they will do next and monitor, it doesn't end at just attending but know what interventions we need to do for stakeholders. They just need to go to the facility and pay for the packaging through these shared facilities. We also are checking how much job they generate. We partner with PROPAK and Informa Markets Philippines to bring more MSME's to help them when they are scaling. We are your partners for growth."

Lucky Lopez from Design Center of the Philippines says "We often present our packaging solutions including agriculturally sourced like Piñaper (made with Pineapple leaves) and increase the use of it in packaging. We need industrial grade manufacturing because it will lessen the price. It's one of the things we want to do to make it sustainable and replace plastic since we have so much of that. We also do trend forecasting seminars in packaging to develop not just your product but your packaging. We have MSME's and businesses approach us, and enable companies for market penetration to other countries."

Dr. Angel from the DOST says "We recognize the fast evolution of packaging so we are upgrading our facility and establish testing and R&D for materials and research ways to make it sustainable. In our division, we simulate it and do green packaging efforts to be at par with other partners and scientists in the packaging technology. For every project we do, we include local manufactures and know the source of the materials and check alternatives. We also collaborate with international organizations to make sure we follow industry standards."

The press conference was attended by Ms. Grace Baluyan of ROG DTI, Commissioner Joseph Jocson of Asian Packaging Federation, Dr. Angel Basbasan Jr. of the ITDI DOST, Mr. Lucky Lopez of the Design Center of the Philippines, and Ms. Apple Limbo - Salisa of Informa Markets - Philippines.

Companies such as Wolf, Middleby, Multivac, Heat and Control plus participants from Japan, Germany, China, Singapore, Taiwan and Italy will be bringing their top tier packaging and processing tech so lots of people could learn about it and what we could benefit from the IPACK IMA Italy and Informa Markets partnership. They will also showcase the recent winners of Packaging Innovation and Design Awards and the Asia Star Packaging Awards at the venue courtesy of the Australasian Institute of Packaging and the Asian Packing Federation. 

They are heavily supported by government sectors such as the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Science and Technology and organizations such as the Philippine Association of Food Technologists, Philippine Printing Technical Foundation, the Production and Operations Management Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association among others.

There will be over 50 conference sessions with over 60 speakers in the lineup for this event. You may pre register via https://bit.ly/PKP25prereg now to get information about this big event.

ProPak Philippines Does Biggest Trade Event of 2024

A total of 200 local and international corporations have set up shop at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Philippines today for the 4th installment of the International Processing and Packaging Trade Event hosted by ProPak Philippines. This event will only run until the 2nd of February so if you havent gone there yet, you better bring your best people and see how you could benefit with industry leaders and packaging experts so those products you have would look the part once it goes out of your plants, and into customer doors. Aside from that, it's a chance to learn from those who are doing it, especially in the fields of processing and how you could take advantage of different technologies.

The event is set to attract over 10,000 people, and international suppliers would certainly welcome you to connect with them in the areas of food, manufacturing, retail and other related industries.They also have different seminars on location. The Country General Manager of Informa Markets Ms. Rose Chitanuwat says "This will be a year that would be beneficial for MSME's to have them access the latest in packaging and processing. This includes how to reduce waste, in different stages of manufacturing.

There will be over 40 workshops and seminars, but will also have lectures about how to make it all sustainable and follow strict standards. If you want to know more, make sure to visit propakphilippines.com or go to the World Trade Center to catch the event as it is still happening. 

ProPak Philippines Starts 4th Edition This Month

ProPak Philippines is getting their engines running for the 4th International Processing and Packaging Trade Event this coming January 31st to February 2nd at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Philippines. This is their 4th time doing it and this means there's a lot to learn with industry trends, business connections to make and starting of investments and opportunities in the country. They will also be having various companies showcase their products, do workshops for the public that would be beneficial for local and international corporations.

The press conference was attended by Ms. Rungphech Rose Chitanuwat Country General Manager for Informa Markets - Philippines, Ms. Blesila A. Lantayona the Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Department of the Trade and Industry, Engr. Higinio Porte Jr. the President of the Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Ms. Julieta Austria the President of Philippine Association of Food Technologists Inc., and Mr. Ustadz Alex M. Sultan, PhD the President of Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines Incorporated.

Ms. Rungpek says "This will be our 4th edition, the 4th time we are holding ProPak Philippines in the country. There were over 50 seminar sessions from 40 speakers from around the world in the past ProPak. We are doing this because there is big potential in the Philippines. The Philippines is more into MSME and we are partnering with Thailand industries to give more options for sustainable packaging, like what the Philippines is doing in paper products. This is also free of charge, and there will be entertainment, plus various business innovations you can adapt from the show."

Ms. David from DTI ROG says "We are excited for the partnership we have in the event, the one town one Philippines is perfect for this. ProPak is aligned with our programs, it is a commitment of helping MSME's in the next three years. It is up for more growth, and they will showcase in different pavilions more ways to do product development, in transformative and we support this all the way!"

Engr. Porte Jr. of Pascual Laboratories shares "The industry is growing. Much of it though is still with foreign brands, it increased even before the pandemic. Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam have programs to help their local manufacturers and I wish the same would happen in the Philippines. Our raw materials are expensive because they are imported. The packaging materials also have the same fate. The market is big, and it is still growing. From cardiovascular, diabetic, oncology and mental health medicines, it has grown in demand even during the pandemic. We have r&d for natural and synthetic ones, do logistics and distribution, manufacture and partner with government agencies."

Ms. Austria of the PAFT says "Exhibitions like these serve as knowledge exchange and best for professionals and stakeholders. We are glad to be able to participate and share our expertise for the advancement of food technology in the country."

Mr. Ustadz Alex Sultan shared a lot of Halal pointers in consumer goods and says "As one of the Halal certification bodies in the Philippines, we prove products and services are free from harmful substances. Halal is for all and not just for Muslim only. It is very simple, if it is Haram, then it is not Halal. There is a global market for it. It promotes healthy living, organic, demands cleanliness. Thank you to ProPak as we partnered with them last year. We believe we can't run alone, we need to do that for everyone. They have been so enthusiastic in providing us a lot of products and manufacturers, and partner with them. We will be there for a seminar too."

ProPak Philippines is also going to be bigger this year. They will be occupying three halls as there will be over 200 exhibitors and 10,000 people to attend the event. This will be beneficial for MSME's and entrepreneurs. Plus more sessions facilitated by AIP Institute of Packaging, the DOST, Philippine Board of Investments and Philippine Printing Technical Foundation, Production and Operations Management Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Association of Food Technologists Inc. and the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines and UP. 

If you want to be part of it, just get in touch with Danah Castillo via danah.francisco@informa.com or their direct line +632-85811921.

ProPak Philippines Slated for February

The biggest processing and packaging event is going to happen this February 1-3, 2023 as ProPak Philippines will happen at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Philippines. It has been quite a good venue to promote products in packaging, processing, machinery especially for food, beverages, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and more.

Arch Prakasvudhisarn the Events Manager for Informa Markets says "With the industry needs in packaging technologies, we listen and studies so we can contribute in SME's. No one is left behind. These are many partners we work with in the industry. We are expecting 250 exhibitors including those from Italy, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. For those looking for products and sustainable packaging, this is the perfect opportunity to see what could benefit your businesses and be part of the progressive solutions that can now be made here in the country."

Usec. Blesila Lantayona of DTI says "The pioneering edition of ProPak Philippines was very successful. DTI pushed for innovative packaging initiatives called Pak Pinas through seminars and trade fairs which is why we partnered with MSME Trade Council, DOST, and other private organizations to drive businesses to scale up by doing packaging, marketing, and certification through better technology. We will continue to support ProPak as we see huge potential, congratulations to ProPak Philippines!"

Dr. Jhino Ilano of the Export Marketing Bureau of DTI adds "January to September was a time when we increased imports compared to previous years. We are bouncing back compared to pre-pandemic values. We have seen 11% and continuously growing especially electronics, coconut oil and a lot of other products that have huge potential. We have shown huge export growth and can attribute it to improvement of Filipino products and sustainable ways of doing it."

Engr. Hignio Porte Jr. the President of Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association says "We partnered with Informa Markets and brought our members to Thailand and it has since made us the third biggest in SEA, but posting highest growth. From over the counter products, vitamins, minerals, immune boosting products including paracetamol was all sold out during the pandemic. There is still high demand and world market growth in the pharma industry. I envy Indonesia and Thailand as much of their products are locally produced before they get released in the country. I told congress about this and even DOH is getting medicine from India and China instead of locally doing it. We have world class distribution in the country, very comparable to products outside the country."

Antonio Tanael of Philippine Printing Technical Foundation also says "Packaging is going to be an important part of what's going to happen in February, we will be supporting ProPak Philippines and working with them hand in hand."

Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. President  Jeremiah Paul Morales says "In the Philippines, in every corner, there are franchise owners. We heeded the call of Franchise. ProPak Asia has helped us in learning more about packaging technologies especially in food where we are involved. Now that they are here, it is going to be more accessible for franchise owners this coming February."

Norman Camungol of Production and Operations Management Association of the Philippines says "This is the most important sector, with a higher multiply effect. It also affects supply chains, inducing demands for technology. We introduce changes and contribute to taxes. The manufacturing sector is now going digital, from web and email channels, it's challenging to make that experience better for the customer. Industries are using smartphones and do video conferencing. You also use apps, smart tech that are all here now. We also use analytics in lots of areas. Our lives are all connected on social media, and machines, systems, can also be like that. The diagnosis can be done quite fast. The ability also to connect to consumers is happening and it shortens sale cycles, delivering products at a faster pace. Before, it takes weeks to find customers but in Nueva Viscaya, there are a lot of farmers who already sell produce even before they get harvested. We need a holistic approach, and it shouldn't be one segment. We used to be a quarter of the economy and we want to have representation just like other countries parliaments. Our partners in packaging and we have partnered with ProPak and DTI in the field of manufacturing."

Anna Anastacio of GS1 Philippines says "We hope to be able to support local packaging especially our 116 member organizations around the world. Ours is the organization authorized to issue prefixes in barcode numbers. It allows products to be sold locally and internationally. It carries info on products, and GS1 Philippines will be in the ProPak event this February."

It's going to be a great place to see businesses and packaging professionals work together and level up your products. Make the trip to World Trade Center in Pasay. Get access in person, or visit informamarkets.com for more information.

Piolo Pascual Swears By HOTBOX to Make #TheWorldYourDiningRoom

We had the pleasure of meeting with the executives of Steam Box Corporation, makers of popular HOTBOX, the new innovative way of serving fresh hot food in the country. Together with Romeo Joven, Eric Quizon and Piolo Pascual, they asked us to experience how having a meal with HOTBOX feels like. 

True enough, I enjoyed it!

@kumagcow HOTBOX does good hot food #food #hotbox #piolopascual #EntertainmentPH #tiktokshowbizreporter #Lifestyle ♬ Just The Two of Us - Kauai45 & Sweet Cocoa

 

 Available in different sizes, it's a good solution for food items that you would want to keep hot especially in events. If you want the type of quality that comes out of your kitchen for hotels, corporate clientele or special people in your life, they've got you covered. They have some of Manila's 5 star hotels already using it, so why shouldn't you right? Plus, they thought about the environmental impact this thing does as the heating element can be used as fertilizer, and the boxes can be re-used as containers since it's a little fancy.

Piolo Pascual swears by it, and if you want to know more about how they can help you with the food you serve, check hotboxph.com because they can make your dining experience a lot better. They're ready to make #TheWorldYourDiningRoom

 

Personal Collection Does Recyclable to Biodegradable Shift

Doing good for themselves, the community and the environment has always been in the goals of Personal Collection Direct Selling, Inc. In a nutshell, they've made efforts to do packaging for their products from recycled to biodegradable, and done it real good. Good enough to have an award from DENR.

As Personal Collection President and CEO Jerome Tuguin says “We have dared to do the shift from recycling to a more sustainable solution by using biodegradable packaging. We proudly have pioneered this in hopes to impact every Filipino home. We'll be promoting more initiatives to increase our tribe, and have the #GreenLifeGreatLife a reality in communities across the country. Expect more coastal cleanups (like what they did last October 2021) and plant more mangrove trees in sites like Pampanga and Bataan."

PC has also partnered with Marine Conservation Philippines and did coastal cleanups in Siaton Negros Oriental, Siliman Beach in Dumaguete City, and Bayawan in the same province. It was participated by PC employees and volunteers from different PC branches. Here's hoping it'll grow more in the next few years. 

Congratulations Personal Collection!

The Green Efforts of Personal Collection

At this day and age, it is quite disheartening to know that the Philippines is one of the largest plastic polluters in the world. It's also a little uncomfortable telling you that it's World Ocean Day today (June 8). Personal Collection, one of the pioneers and biggest direct selling companies in the country wants to change that so they've launched A Green Life Is A Great Life movement which bolsters their commitment to environmental conservation by changing to 100 percent biodegradable packaging for their products. Pretty soon, they'll also explore on making the ingredients on their products all organic and natural.

What that means is that their packaging can decompose in a much faster rate than ordinary plastic bottles, which can contribute to biogas/sustainable energy. This is something that the company has given time for as part of their research and development efforts.

As Personal Collection Direct Selling, Inc.’s Chairman Willie “Jun” Evangelista, Jr. puts it “We can work for our goals and care for the world we live in. It's a mark of a successful business. We can make the Green Life and Great Life possible for Filipinos. Now, all our dealers and partners have become ambassadors on environmental responsibility because the products they sell are sustainable and made of biodegradable materials. They are part of our efforts, and we'll have more campaigns in the next few months."

This is such a nice move from the people behind Personal Collection. I've always loved their Home and Men's products and thinking about how they've helped the environment through these efforts is laudable. This is good!