WEPSEA 2026: AI, Sustainability and Supply‑Chain Shifts Shape Southeast Asia Packaging

# What WEPSEA 2026 is and why it matters WEPSEA 2026 (World Expo of Packaging Industry Southeast Asia) is scheduled for 27–29 August 2026 at Jakarta International Expo. Organised by RX (China) in strategic cooperation with the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), the event brings together manufacturers, converters, suppliers, brand owners and associations to address immediate business challenges and growth opportunities in Southeast Asia.

# Conference focus areas The programme groups practical technical sessions with market and strategy forums. Core themes are:

• AI and smart manufacturing: sessions show how automation and intelligent prepress, workflow optimisation and automated imposition can cut production costs and improve productivity.
• Sustainability and materials: content covers lightweight corrugated and honeycomb paper solutions, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and sustainable packaging practices for FMCG and food & beverage sectors.
• Supply‑chain diversification and regional growth: forums assess how companies can expand across ASEAN amid shifting sourcing patterns and investment prospects.

# Key sessions and practical offerings The event features more than 20 conferences, workshops and networking activities. Notable items announced in the programme:

• Southeast Asia Packaging Industry Conference (opening): a flagship forum that convenes industry associations, market research organisations and leading enterprises to discuss competitiveness and regional collaboration.
• Next‑Generation Smart Packaging Solutions Forum (28 August): a concentrated look at AI‑powered automation in print and packaging workflows.
• Dedicated halal packaging labelling session: led by Indonesian experts to clarify certification and branding requirements for halal markets.
• Printerpreneur Talk Show: business leaders discuss cost optimisation strategies including lightweight materials and print‑on‑demand models.
• Navigating Challenges and Innovations in the Packaging Industry (afternoon forum): sessions on short‑run production, advanced materials and building resilient supply chains.

# Hands‑on learning and technical troubleshooting

• identify hidden prepress risks
• inspect print registration
• evaluate die‑cutting quality
• strengthen on‑site quality control procedures

This is aimed at production managers, quality engineers and packaging professionals seeking immediate performance improvements.

# Business development and networking Beyond the exhibition floor, the programme includes structured networking to facilitate trade and partnerships. Planned activities include a business networking cocktail reception on 29 August and the PACT Alliance Indonesia Golf Invitational for senior executives. These events are designed to connect exhibitors, buyers, technology providers, converters and brand owners across borders.

# What attendees can expect to take away Participants can expect market intelligence on ASEAN demand and sourcing trends, concrete examples of AI and automation applied to production workflows, practical fixes for common printing faults, guidance on halal labelling, and direct access to suppliers of corrugated, folding cartons, digital printing, speciality paper and converting technologies. The mix of strategic panels and hands‑on workshops targets both business development and operational improvement.

# Who should attend

• Production managers and quality engineers seeking practical troubleshooting and process improvements.
• Packaging R&D and sustainability teams evaluating lightweight materials and EPR compliance.
• Printers and converters exploring short‑run and print‑on‑demand models.
• Brand owners and procurement managers looking for regional suppliers and partnership opportunities.

WEPSEA 2026 is positioned as a forum to translate market growth in Southeast Asia into concrete production, material and sourcing choices for packaging businesses operating in the region.