Vietnam s printing and packaging industry set to upgrade supply chain

Vietnam's printing and packaging industry is set to undergo a significant upgrade at the upcoming VietnamPrintPack 2026 exhibition. Taking place in Ho Chi Minh City from September 16 to 19, the event spans an expansive exhibition area of 16,000 square meters and features nearly 800 booths. Nearly 300 of these exhibitors hail from 13 countries and regions, showcasing their latest innovations and products.

The chairman of the Vietnam Printing Association, Nguyen Van Dong, emphasized the critical role of the printing and packaging industry as a key support sector for the entire economy. He highlighted the continuous investment in advanced technologies and equipment by companies to keep pace with industry growth. Despite challenges posed by geopolitical events, Vietnamese printing enterprises have demonstrated resilience, achieving growth rates of 6 to 8 percent in the first eight months of the year compared to the previous period.

To expand their reach in demanding markets such as Europe and the US, local companies are increasingly adopting international standards and adhering to sustainability requirements. According to Tran Viet Anh, chairman of the Vietnam Waste Recycling Association, the government must implement a dedicated program to foster the development of Vietnam's printing industry aligned with AI and digital transformation trends. This strategy should focus on creating more compact plants with rising output and a shrinking workforce.

The VietnamPrintPack 2026 exhibition serves as a vital technology hub for domestic enterprises to acquire high-efficiency machinery, reduce operational expenses, and transition away from low-margin original equipment manufacturing. At the expo, Vietnamese businesses can explore opportunities to enhance manufacturing capabilities, source international equipment, embrace AI and automation, and venture into global markets. Live demonstrations of cutting-edge machinery and advanced technologies will be available for visitors.

In addition to VietnamPrintPack 2026, other major exhibitions in Vietnam are highlighting the future of smart manufacturing. Japanese company Toppan Cosmo Inc., a trading arm of the Japanese conglomerate Toppan Printing Co., has established a joint venture in Ho Chi Minh City in collaboration with two Japanese partners. This venture aims to provide high-quality 3D computer graphics content, further boosting the country's smart manufacturing sector.