Interpack on record course: packaging industry in upheaval

From May 7 to 13, Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf showed where the packaging industry currently stands: in a new era. 2,804 exhibitors from 65 countries and trade visitors from 161 countries filled the exhibition grounds to capacity - making this year's edition the largest in the history of Interpack to date. 75 percent of visitors came from abroad, almost a third of them from overseas. The supplier fair Components ran in parallel with around 100 other companies.

Thomas Dohse, Director of Interpack, summarized the trade fair: "This was a top Interpack. Highly frequented halls, an intensive exchange and concrete projects have shown the power of this global community." For seven days, the focus was on concrete solutions and partnerships. Many discussions resulted in projects and investment decisions.

interpack 2026 encountered an industry in a phase of transformation. Demand for packaged products continues to rise, but requirements for materials, production systems and supply structures are shifting. The main focus at the trade fair was on the European Packaging Regulation (PPWR). It is changing the rules of the game for the industry - and this was reflected in the solutions on show. Instead of isolated individual products, exhibitors increasingly presented integrated approaches in which materials, machines and processes are coordinated with one another.

Automation and data-based production systems were also visible at the trade fair and ran as concrete applications. Smart manufacturing has found its way into industrial practice - with direct consequences for the skills required in production. In the materials sector, the focus was on solutions that work under real conditions and meet regulatory requirements. Anyone operating networked systems needs suitably qualified personnel. This topic was explicitly addressed at interpack under the heading "Future Skills".

The trade fair program was supplemented by various special formats: the Interpack Spotlight Forum, Save Food Expert Talks, a Start-up Zone and formats on promoting young talent and diversity. They showed that the debate about the future of the industry is broader than it was a few years ago.

The next Interpack will take place in 2029. The date will be announced shortly, according to Messe Düsseldorf.