Wrapetfill: showcase of value and vibrancy

According to managing director Louis Moodie, the four-day event exceeded every expectation. ‘To be honest, our lights were blown out – we were flat-out busy from the moment the doors opened. Even Tuesday, traditionally a slower day, surprised us with quality foot traffic. By Wednesday and Thursday, we barely had time for a sip of coffee,’ he recalls with a smile.

This year marked a bold new chapter for Wrapetfill, with the company investing in its most ambitious stand to date – professionally designed in collaboration with Ogada Group and elevated by the creative flair of Louis’ wife Maryke, an interior design specialist. ‘We went bigger, cleaner and more intentional with our layout. Visitors instantly knew who we were and who our partners were. That clarity made a difference.’

For the first time, Wrapetfill showcased live equipment, with a real showstopper flown in from France: the 1BLOW 2-Cavity PET stretch blow moulding machine. Compact, servo-driven and engineered for rapid mould changes, the machine drew considerable attention. ‘It was brought in at risk – we didn’t have a buyer beforehand. But we believed in the buzz it would generate and it paid off,’ Louis notes.

Alongside 1BLOW, Wrapetfill’s stand featured strategic OEM partners: Delta Engineering (Belgium), with its advanced on-the-fly leak tester; Cypet (Cyprus), showcasing single-stage PET stretch blow moulding technology; and Intravis (Germany), a leader in camera-based vision inspection systems. ‘All four partners attracted significant interest. Even Cypet, which wasn’t running equipment, saw a surprising level of engagement.’

While ROI will only fully materialise over the next 12 to 24 months, Louis is confident the investment was worthwhile. ‘We generated leads with depth – decision-makers and plant-floor experts alike. It’s the kind of visitor spread that leads to real projects.’

Wrapetfill has already confirmed its spot for 2028. ‘When a show delivers like this, you commit. We left with momentum and a renewed belief that South Africa’s packaging sector is alive with possibility.’