interpack 2026 shows trends in the packaging industry
The world's leading trade fair brings together around 2,800 exhibitors from the entire value chain.
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From the circular economy to digitalisation: at interpack, the industry's hot topics meet the latest technologies and innovations. In just a few weeks, the global processing and packaging industry will finally meet again in Düsseldorf.
„We are ready,“ says Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack. „All our exhibitors and partners are ready to go and we are looking forward to offering the industry another great trade fair.“ interpack is an important building block in the innovation cycle of the packaging sector and the related process industry. After a six-year break, numerous innovations for all user sectors will be on show: Food, beverages, confectionery and baked goods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, non-food and industrial goods. This is because requirements and framework conditions are constantly changing, Focus on digital technologies and sustainable products and processes. „We can clearly see the industry's great determination to actively shape this transformation process,“ continues Dohse. From 4 to 10 May, visitors can therefore look forward to numerous premieres in the 18 fully booked exhibition halls.
Companies from all over the world
From Europe to Asia, from Africa to America to Australia: exhibitors at interpack 2023 come from all five continents. A total of over 60 countries will be represented. This makes interpack the best place to meet potential partners and customers and to expand international business. The top exhibitor nations are Germany, Italy, China, Turkey, India, the Netherlands, the USA, France, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Key players such as IMA Industria Macchine, Coesia Group, Syntegon Technology, the Marchesini Group, Sollich, Duravant, Aasted ApS, Multivac, Optima packaging group and Ishida Europe Limited will occupy the largest areas. A total of over 2,700 exhibitors will be taking part.
With over 1,000 exhibitors, the packaging sector at interpack is a mega trade fair in its own right. Never before have so many companies exhibited in Halls 7 and 7a, 8a, 9 and 10, focussing on packaging materials, packaging materials and packaging aids. All common materials and products of the packaging market are shown here. As a cross-sectional area for all visitor target groups, these six halls and floors are of central importance and reflect the innovative strength of the industry, with numerous new products being unveiled.
Above all A lot is happening when it comes to sustainable materials and renewable raw materials. For example, bioplastics that are biodegradable or biobased, such as those made from sugar cane, palm leaves or corn, will be on display at the trade fair. In addition to solutions made from paper, cardboard and paperboard, there will also be a number of other products, particularly in Halls 8a and 9. new, sustainable materials in numerous variants with a focus on sustainability.
Plastic packaging, which has the largest share of the market, is still of great importance, especially for product safety and shelf life. Here, too, there are new approaches towards a circular economy, for example with recyclable films, monomaterial solutions, the use of recyclates or reusable packaging. The increasing digitalisation of the industry is also leading to new developments in the packaging sector. Examples include digital labels, smart packaging and packaging with QR codes.
Four hot topics highlight the trends
Developments in the packaging sector illustrate which topics are at the forefront of the processing and packaging industry and its customers as a whole. Megatrends such as sustainability and digitalisation, Numerous economic and ecological, but also political and social changes and challenges are keeping companies busy and are providing an innovation boost at this year's interpack.
A top topic will be the circular economy, seemingly a simple model, but on the other hand all-encompassing and a major challenge in many areas. In times of climate change, the aim is to produce as little non-recyclable waste as possible. This goes hand in hand with the need to conserve resources. Sustainable processing and packaging solutions as well as digital services that help to organise production processes efficiently and sustainably will be presented at interpack. For example, the focus is on reducing the carbon footprint of packaging along the entire value chain, The improvement of energy efficiency or the increasing importance of reusable materials, which will help the industry to optimise the use of resources.
When it comes to transformation processes, little without digital technologies. Big data, augmented reality and remote-controlled machine maintenance have long since found their way into assembly halls and machine parks. For example, the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging will be providing information about digital training systems based on virtual reality in the VDMA Technology Lounge in Hall 4. And also Technologies such as Holy Grail 2.0, RFID, NFC and augmented reality will increase in the future.
The fourth hot topic at interpack is Product safety, one of the core tasks of packaging. The industry is already making an important contribution to reducing food waste. Digital technologies are an important key to this.
Inspiration through new specials
The exhibition programme is complemented by numerous specials such as the „Spotlight talks & trends“ lecture forum with seven themed days, the interpack Start-up Zone, the Co-Packing joint stand, several award ceremonies with exciting packaging innovations, the „SAVE FOOD Highlight Route“ with new approaches in the fight against global food loss and waste, the promotion of women at „Women in Packaging“ and „Late Night“ during the day in the Tightly Packed TV studio.
“Every part counts” is the motto of the components, which will once again take place parallel to interpack in Hall 18. Here, on an area of around 2,400 square metres Machine parts and accessories, automation systems or components for packaging materials will be presented. The approximately 80 exhibitors support companies in the packaging sector and related process industries in achieving goals such as increasing efficiency, saving resources and digitalisation.
Source: interpack
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