Propak Cape 2026 is set to open its doors at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 27 to 29 October 2026. All available exhibition space has already sold out months in advance. The trade show is one of South Africa’s most anticipated packaging exhibitions.
Organised by Montgomery Group Africa, the three-day event returns to the Western Cape with more than 200 local and international exhibitors. It will also offer a seminar programme and an industry conference hosted by the Institute of Packaging SA (IPSA).
Packaging industry outpaces GDP growth
The South African packaging sector is on a sustained upward trajectory, expanding at a rate that outpaces the country’s overall GDP growth. Several converging macro-economic and consumer trends are driving this expansion, including population growth and urbanisation, rising disposable incomes, the rapid growth of e-commerce, and strong performance in the beauty, pharmaceutical and food & beverage manufacturing sectors. Growing consumer and regulatory pressure for sustainable, eco-friendly and recyclable packaging solutions is also a significant market driver.
The Western Cape, where Propak Cape is hosted, plays a particularly strategic role in this growth story. As South Africa’s leading region for agri-food exports – shipping to markets including the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Italy – the province’s export-led competitiveness and appetite for innovation make it the ideal location for Africa’s premier packaging trade event.
Exhibition space is sold out
Demand for exhibitor space at Propak Cape 2026 underscores just how highly the packaging industry regards the show as a commercial platform. With floor space fully booked months before the October opening, the exhibition has once again demonstrated its standing as a must-attend event for suppliers and manufacturers seeking direct access to qualified buyers.
“Exhibition space at Propak Cape 2026 has been fully sold out months in advance of the show, demonstrating strong industry support and reinforcing its track record as a platform for generating leads and driving sales,” says Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director, Montgomery Group Africa.
What to expect at Propak Cape 2026
With more than two decades of heritage, Propak Cape has established itself as the key meeting point for the packaging value chain in Southern Africa. The 2026 edition will once again bring together suppliers, buyers, engineers and industry experts under one roof for three days of business, learning and innovation.
Visitors will have access to more than 200 local and international exhibitors spanning the full breadth of the packaging and related manufacturing sectors, with five co-located shows expanding the offering to include Pro-Plas Expo, Print Expo, Pro-Label Expo, FoodPro Expo and the Wine & Olive Oil Production Expo.
“With rapid advancements in technology, visitors can expect to see the latest products and innovations from across packaging, plastics, print, labelling, food processing and related sectors, presented by 200-plus local and international exhibitors,” says Anderson.
One of Propak Cape’s most valued features is the opportunity to see capital equipment running live on the show floor — a critical requirement for procurement decisions that involve significant long-term investment.
“Investments in capital equipment and industrial technologies are significant, long-term commitments and typically involve input from a range of stakeholders – from plant managers and engineers to procurement and finance teams. Being able to see machinery in operation and engage directly with technical specialists is therefore a critical part of the decision-making process. Propak Cape provides a neutral platform where these decision-makers can explore solutions, ask detailed questions, and assess long-term value. Attending the exhibition is a smart business move,” Anderson adds.
A programme of free-to-attend seminar sessions will run throughout the three days, with IPSA hosting a dedicated industry conference alongside the exhibition, supported by Packaging SA, Plastics SA and Printing SA.
Sustainable packaging innovation
Growing environmental awareness and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements are reshaping the packaging landscape across South Africa and globally. Propak Cape 2026 will shine a spotlight on the latest advances in sustainable, recyclable and eco-friendly packaging technologies, helping manufacturers and buyers identify solutions that meet both business and environmental objectives.
Register and find out more
Propak Cape 2026 takes place from 27 to 29 October 2026 at the CTICC. With over 7b500 visitors at Propak Cape 2023 and exhibition space for 2026 already sold out, the show’s value to the industry speaks for itself. To register as a visitor, enquire about exhibiting, or view the full programme, visit www.propakcape.co.za.
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