In less than three months, interpack will open its doors in Düsseldorf for the first time since 2017. From 4 to 10 May, the packaging industry will meet in the NRW state capital. A good 2,700 exhibitors will present the latest developments, as well as lectures, workshops and award ceremonies.
From packaging world stars and newcomers to roving reporters, food saviours and the co-packer scene to unique women and the innovators of today and tomorrow: Visitors can look forward to many exciting specials at interpack.
Whether it's a deep dive in the in-house TV studio, the prestigious award ceremony or the focus on moving topics of the future in the lecture forum At interpack from 4 to 10 May, there will be numerous new special areas and promotions to complement the offerings of around 2,700 exhibitors. The trade fair thus offers a broad spectrum of the industry's key issues for 2023 and beyond.
"We take a deep dive into the most important topics in the processing and packaging industry„, says Thomas Dohse, Director of the interpack. „Our aim is to put the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow on the agenda. That's why we have redesigned our supporting programme. We are looking forward to hearing from numerous experts, pioneering innovations and projects.“
Spotlight on the key industry topics
„Spotlight talks & trends“ at interpack means seven days of input on the most important topics and trends in the industry, best practices, exciting applications and their drivers for innovation and growth. Deutsche Fachverlag is the partner of the lecture forum. Each day of the trade fair will focus on a different topic and offer presentations, case studies and interactive sessions with top industry experts. The focus will be on topics relating to logistics, the circular economy, sustainability, digital technologies, product safety and e-commerce. Companies such as Siemens, Schütz, Mettler Toledo, BASF and Metsä Board have already announced that they will be giving presentations. The forum can be found at the North Entrance.
Focus on packaging innovations
Like no other trade fair, interpack stands for major product premieres, technological innovations and packaging innovations. This year, these will once again be highlighted by award ceremonies.
The „WorldStar Packaging Awards“ 2023, which are awarded by the World Packaging Organisation, WPO, at interpack. The award is considered the most prestigious packaging prize in the world. A total of 228 award winners demonstrate the innovative strength of the industry. This year's edition is also characterised by new and exciting categories: Gift packaging, digital packaging and the special category of barrier-free packaging. Around 400 participants are expected to attend the festive ceremony on 6 May.
The „PackTheFuture Award“ will also be presented at interpack“ of the German IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen and its French partner ELIPSO. The award honours innovative and sustainable plastic packaging solutions. The aim is to promote and publicise the contribution of plastic packaging to climate protection, the circular economy and responsible consumption. Prizes are awarded for the best designs for recycling, sustainable material procurement or consumer benefits, among other things.
„Late Night“ during the day: TV live from the trade fair
A premiere celebrates the Tightly Packed TV Studio of interpack and packaging journal. In the atmosphere of a „late night“ studio, there are Exciting talk shows with well-known figures from the industry, discussions on the most important topics and live broadcasts in the exhibition halls. The studio is located on the upper floor of the north entrance. All consignments are also broadcast on the Internet.
New in the industry: interpack Start-up Zone
Every year, young companies enrich the world of packaging. Ten of them will be making their first major appearance at interpack 2023 and presenting themselves to an international trade audience in the Start-up Zone in Hall 15, including Recyda, Easy2cool, Packwise, Releaf Paper and Woodland Packaging. Including: exciting innovations from software solutions for recycling or the supply chain, sustainable materials or packaging.
Pack and have packed
Processing and packaging services can be found on the new Special area focussing on contract packaging. At the joint stand in Hall 12, co-packing providers for the packaging and processing of food or consumer goods as well as additional services relating to the packaging and configuration of products will be showcased. The partner is the European Co-Packers Association, which represents around 1,000 members of the professional contract packaging industry in Europe and is therefore a valuable resource for brand owners, manufacturers and retailers who want to outsource their production.
Save Food Highlight Route
Around 30 exhibitors at interpack are also members of the Save Food Initiative, which has been dedicated to the fight against global food loss and waste since 2011. The „Save Food Highlight Route“ offers visitors an insight into new technologies that help to reduce food loss and increase product safety. The Save Food stand in the north entrance area will also provide information about the initiative and present the initial results of the joint study with Istanbul's Bahçeşehir University (BAU) on the production of bio-based packaging materials from food waste or food by-products. For more information on the fight against food loss and waste, the „Product Safety“ theme day on 9 May in the „Spotlight talks & trends“ lecture forum is a valuable point of contact.
Unique Women in Packaging
They exist - the „Unique Women in Packaging“, but there are still too few women in the industry and too few make the leap into management positions. Especially in times of a shortage of skilled labour, valuable potential often remains untapped. Many women are also looking for contact with like-minded people. So there are many good reasons for a women's network. For the first time this year, interpack is promoting dialogue with an event by women for women. Together with the WPO, it is hosting a panel discussion followed by networking on 8 May. Participants have the opportunity to expand their professional network, be inspired by other women and exchange experiences. All women already working in the industry are invited, as well as interested young professionals, trainees and students.
Source: Düsseldorf Trade Fair Centre
