Jakarta will become the center of attention for the Southeast Asian packaging industry as the World Expo of Packaging Industry Southeast Asia (WEPSEA) 2026 is held from August 27 to 29, 2026, at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo). This prestigious event, initiated by RX (China) in collaboration with the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), comes amid the rapid growth of the consumption and manufacturing market in the regional area. The exhibition is designed to address the challenges of industrial modernization through digitalization, environmental sustainability demands, and global supply chain diversification.
This international-scale exhibition will bring together various stakeholders from upstream to downstream of the packaging supply chain. Starting from cardboard packaging manufacturers, digital printing technology, specialty paper, food-safe packaging, to converting technologies. In addition to showcasing product innovation exhibits, WEPSEA 2026 will also present more than 20 series of workshops, technical seminars, and business forums aimed at facilitating knowledge transfer and strategic collaboration among industry players in Southeast Asia.
One of the main highlights of this year's agenda is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart manufacturing in the production process. Through a special forum titled "Next-Generation Smart Packaging Solutions", experts will dissect how AI-driven automation can optimize operational efficiency. Discussions will cover the digitalization of the prepress stage, workflow optimization, to the implementation of automated imposition to cut operational costs amidst global economic dynamics.
Interestingly, WEPSEA 2026 also features a special session discussing halal packaging label regulations, guided directly by experts from Indonesia. This session is expected to guide international business players in understanding local halal certification compliance standards, considering that Indonesia is one of the largest halal product markets in the world. This step also opens up great opportunities for global brands to expand safely in the domestic market.
In addition to digital technology, commitment to sustainability aspects and the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, as well as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, are also crucial agendas. WEPSEA 2026 will also facilitate an interactive workshop called "Packaging Detective", where practitioners can solve production problems firsthand, ranging from print quality to quality management on the factory floor. This series of events will conclude with an exclusive business networking session to expand cross-border strategic partnerships.
