(MENAFN- Mid-East Info) Representatives from Capital Envelopes, Kaagaz Trading, P Square and MEPCO Gulf Commodities shared key market insights at Paperworld Middle East's Hub Forum

Panellists discussed rising domestic demand, sustainability progress and the opportunities presented by infrastructure developments such as Etihad Rail

The region's largest trade platform for paper, stationery, office supplies and creative materials concludes today following three days of high-value networking and knowledge exchange

Dubai, UAE: Regional manufacturers and traders at Paperworld Middle East, have highlighted how the Middle East's expanding paper and packaging industry is driving localisation, strengthening supply chains, and enhancing the region's export competitiveness.

Held as part of the event's Hub Forum, the panel discussion titled“Made in MENA: Connecting Paper Manufacturers, Traders & Packaging Leaders for Regional Growth” brought together key industry figures including Parv Sondhi, Founder and Managing Partner of P Square; Fadi Baaklini, Chairman and Founder of MEPCO Gulf Commodities; Ali Haider, CEO of Capital Envelopes; and Hitendra Daherikar, Sales Team Lead at Kaagaz Trading.

The panellists discussed how MENA-based producers are scaling up production capacity and localising operations to meet rising domestic demand, while reducing dependency on international supply chains. The speakers agreed that domestic consumption is climbing steadily, creating opportunities for expanded production and increased export potential.

Ali Haider, whose Dubai-based company produces over 1.5 billion envelopes per year, said that being based in the region offers a significant competitive advantage.“It gives us a good positioning in regional markets. For us to be geographically located here, being physically close to our main customer base helps significantly with supply chain management.”

The discussion also explored how local producers are responding to growing sustainability expectations while maintaining cost efficiency.“Paper is sustainable, fully biodegradable and recyclable. At Capital Envelopes, we use only water-based inks and glues, and our machinery is energy-efficient. We also recycle water within our facilities,” said Haider.

Parv Sondhi of P Square highlighted the differing approaches to sustainable packaging options.“Corporate clients with clear sustainability goals are willing to pay for sustainable packaging, but broader adoption depends on more cost-effective solutions entering the market.”

Looking ahead, the panellists agreed that major infrastructure investments such as Etihad Rail will be pivotal to supporting regional manufacturing growth. Once fully operational, the national rail network will reduce logistics costs, enhance cross-border trade, and accelerate delivery times, offering key advantages for paper producers and traders across the UAE and wider GCC.

Speaking after the session, Teresa Heitor Goncalves, Portfolio Director – Consumer Goods, Messe Frankfurt Middle East GmbH said:“The insights shared during the panel discussion show how much the sector is evolving. It's clear that regional companies are focused on growth, collaboration and long-term resilience. Bringing the industry together at Paperworld Middle East provides an important platform for these shared priorities to take shape and move forward.”

Paperworld Middle East and co-located event Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East conclude today, having showcased over 650 exhibitors from 38 countries at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Paperworld Middle East presents a wide range of international solutions spanning office supplies, school products, stationery, writing instruments, writing printing paper, arts and crafts supplies, kraft paper and packaging and more. Meanwhile, Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East focuses on innovative gifting, lifestyle products, and home accessories.

Events under the Paperworld brand include trade fairs in Shanghai (21-23 November 2025), Hong Kong (12-15 January 2026) and Mumbai (26-28 February) in addition to the Dubai event. The paper and stationery sector is also showcased at Ambiente in Frankfurt (6-10 February 2026).

About Paperworld Middle East:

Paperworld Middle East brings together world-renowned brands, regional players, and promising innovators for an exciting three-day showcase featuring products ranging from office and school supplies, stationery, paper & paper products, to festive decorations and brandable merchandise. The next edition of the show takes place from 11-13 November 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre, co-located with Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East.

About Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East:

Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, a vibrant platform showcasing the latest trends in lifestyle, accents, and gifts. Co-located with Paperworld Middle East from 11-13 November 2025, at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the event is the region's premier showcase for mid- to high-end gift articles, baby and kid items, and lifestyle products.

About Messe Frankfurt:

The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world's largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,500 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 29 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2024 were € 775 million. We serve our customers' business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt's key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services.

Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity.

With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).

About Messe Frankfurt Middle East:

Messe Frankfurt Middle East's portfolio of exhibitions includes: Paperworld Middle East, Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, Automechanika Dubai, Automechanika Riyadh, Beautyworld Middle East, Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, Intersec, Intersec Saudi Arabia, Logimotion, Light + Intelligent Building Middle East. In the 2023/24 event season, Messe Frankfurt Middle East exhibitions combined featured 6,324 exhibitors from over 60 countries and attracted 224,106 visitors from 159 countries.

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