interpack 2026 is preparing to bring the exhibition action straight into the studio once again with interpack TV Live. The programme provides insights into trends, innovations, and key topics within the global processing and packaging industry.
Following its successful launch in 2023, interpack TV Live will return this year with a curated programme of interviews, analyses, and panel discussions. They will be broadcast throughout the entire duration of the trade fair from 7–13 May 2026—live on-site as well as online and on-demand.
Global Markets, Geopolitical Developments, Regulatory Requirements
A key focus is on the current conditions shaping the industry—from international markets and geopolitical developments to regulatory requirements. In particular, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), issues of sustainability assessment, and developments in mechanical engineering, raw materials, and the labour market will be examined.
Insights will be provided by several industry experts, including Markus Rustler of Theegarten-Pactec, who will examine the impact of tariffs, geopolitical crises, and regulation. Richard Clemens from VDMA will offer a perspective on the future of mechanical engineering, while Carolina E. Schweig will discuss packaging trends at the intersection of regulation and sustainability. The German Packaging Institute (dvi) will be represented by Dr. Natalie Brandenburg and Thomas Reiner, who will both provide insights into the current market situation. Additionally, Dr. Martin Engelmann of IK will address raw material shortages and price trends, and HR consultant Thomas Schmitt will conclude with strategies for addressing the skills shortage.
Consumers, Circular Economy, and Regulation
The ‘Packaging Background’ and ‘Packaging Regulation’ categories are currently highlighting consumer perspectives, the circular economy, and new regulatory mandates. Key areas of focus include consumer assessments of sustainable packaging, the role of materials such as glass in recycling, and the adoption of the digital product passport (DPP) as a foundation for closed material cycles.
A lineup of experts are contributing to this shift, including Christiane Nelles of BV Glas on the role of glass as recyclable packaging, Daniel Bornemann of Simon-Kucher on consumer evaluations, and Dr. Benedikt Brenken of R-Cycle on DPP. In the regulatory arena, insights will be provided by Der Grüne Punkt on recycling of plastic packaging, David Strack of SUSY and Siddharth Bagri of PackIntelX on PPWR compliance, and Alexander Reitz of PreZero on design strategies. Additionally, lawyer Dr. Markus W. Pauly will outline the requirements under the PPWR and the Packaging Law Implementation Act.
Technological Solutions for Practical Application
The ‘Packaging Solutions’ category showcases concrete technological approaches across the entire value chain—from digitised production environments to new packaging solutions—with focus on efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in industrial practice.
Contributions from mechanical engineering, automation, and packaging development provide insights into software-based production models, integrated packaging solutions, and new labelling technologies. Further examples demonstrate how sustainable packaging concepts, circular solutions, and modular machine approaches can be implemented in practice. This will be complemented by analyses of extended packaging functions and safety standards in mechanical engineering. Practical discussion formats and contributions on automation, service concepts, and industry-specific applications will round off the programme and demonstrate how technological innovations are being applied in industrial settings.
Trends and Future Outlook
The ‘Packaging Trends’ category focuses on future developments in materials, technologies, and business models. Topics include sustainable packaging materials, new design approaches, and the role of reusable and co-packing concepts.
Presentations from research, industry, and market research demonstrate how alternative materials—such as those based on textile waste or cellulose—are being developed and what role they may play in the future. At the same time, tools for assessing recyclability and new approaches to packaging design will be presented. Further sections address the future of mechanical engineering, the growing importance of reusable systems in e-commerce, and the role of co-packing in global supply chains. Insights from market research and design complement these developments and provide an understanding of changing consumer behaviour and new demands on packaging solutions.
Online and On-Site, Live and On-Demand
The trade fair’s central hub is the TV studio at the north entrance, which will broadcast live to interpack’s websites and channels. Segments will alternate between German and English, with all content remaining available for on-demand viewing after the event concludes.
The live programme runs from 7–13 May at https://www.interpack.com/interpack-live
