BOBST raises the bar in East Africa

East Africa’s flexible packaging market is becoming increasingly demanding, with brand owners expecting shorter runs, faster turnaround times, premium print quality and more sustainable packaging solutions. 

To stay ahead of these changing requirements, Tanzania-based Modern Flexible Packaging Limited (MFPL) has invested in its first BOBST press, strengthening its production capabilities while positioning the business for future growth across the region.

Founded in 2003 in Dar es Salaam, Modern Flexible Packaging Limited (MFPL) has grown into Tanzania’s leading flexible packaging manufacturer, supplying customers across the food, beverage, personal care, agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors. Its customer portfolio includes well-known brands such as Pepsi, Tanzania Breweries, Kilimanjaro, Tanga Fresh and METL Group.

In September 2025, the company invested in the BOBST NOVA RS 5003, a high-performance rotogravure press designed for flexible packaging applications. The investment marks MFPL’s first BOBST machine and forms part of its strategy to increase production capacity, improve print quality, reduce waste and downtime, and expand into paper-based packaging and premium packaging markets across East Africa.

According to CEO Farhaaz Haji, customer expectations have evolved significantly in recent years. Brand owners increasingly require shorter print runs, greater SKU variation, tighter delivery schedules and improved barrier properties to extend shelf life. Sustainability has also become a growing priority, with customers requesting recyclable and reduced-material packaging solutions.

At the same time, the company continues to navigate the realities of operating in a rapidly developing market, including imported raw material costs, exchange rate fluctuations and the need to continually invest in new technology.

MFPL selected the NOVA RS 5003 for its combination of high print quality, production speed and advanced automation, which reduces job changeover times. Equally important was BOBST’s regional technical support and after-sales service, together with the machine’s ability to minimise waste, improve production planning and lower total operating costs. ‘BOBST machines offer superior build quality, advanced automation and consistently high print registration accuracy,’ says Farhaaz. ‘The global support network and BOBST’s deep expertise in flexible packaging technology give us confidence in our investment. For a growing operation like MFPL, it is the clear choice.’

Since installing the NOVA RS 5003, MFPL estimates production capacity has increased by 25-35%, driven by higher operating speeds, faster job changeovers and improved machine reliability.

The company has also reduced setup and changeover waste by approximately 15-20%, while downtime has fallen by almost 20% thanks to the press’s automation and operational stability.

Improved print consistency and tighter quality control have further reduced customer complaints and rework, strengthening overall production efficiency. ‘The machines have largely lived up to – and in several areas exceeded – our expectations,’ Farhaaz adds. ‘The automation features and user-friendly controls have helped operators work more efficiently and with greater confidence.’

To maximise the value of the investment, MFPL partnered with BOBST on a comprehensive training and support programme, including operator training, machine commissioning, preventive maintenance guidance and both on-site and remote technical support.