FESPA’S Inaugural Corrugated to Explore Latest Innovations
FESPA’s inaugural Corrugated event will take place at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue, offering corrugated converters and manufacturers a focused platform to explore the latest innovations across the industry. From 19-22 May 2026, visitors can discover a wide range of products and solutions within the corrugated market, while also engaging with related sectors at co-located events, including FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, WrapFest, and the other new Textile event.
Occupying a 1,500m² floor space, Corrugated will connect packaging converters, display producers, and board manufacturers with suppliers of equipment, materials, and software capable of supporting next-generation corrugated production. Visitors will be able to explore solutions including high-speed digital printing systems, precision converting equipment, workflow and automation software, robotics, and sustainable substrates.
The event also offers visitors the chance to connect with a diverse network of like-minded and forward-thinking business professionals in the corrugated sector and gain insights into the latest trends and industry challenges.
A strong line-up of exhibitors and sponsorships have been confirmed, including Advantive, Barberan, BOBST, Canon, Cuir, EFI, ePS, Freidheim International, HP, Kento Digital Printing, Koenig & Bauer, Kolbus, Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, Ricoh, Scodix, Sun Automation Group, and Xaar.
Corrugated Conference
Alongside the exhibition, the event will host a free-to-attend Corrugated conference, in which sessions will address challenges and opportunities faced by the industry, and will provide practical insights for converters, plant operators, and business leaders.
Located in Hall 3, topics in the programme will include the impact of emerging EU packaging legislation, such as Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR); the growing role of artificial intelligence in manufacturing workflows; and cyber security considerations for modern box plants.
Packitoo CEO Thomas Othax will lead a session on how artificial intelligence serves as a critical solution for automation and digitalisation of the corrugated industry. Sustainability and compliance also will take centre stage with Evert Delbanco, Head of Global Regulatory Project Management and Group Toxicologist at Flint Group, exploring the evolving regulatory landscape of raw materials within a closed-loop economy. Rounding out the programme, Ian Bates, Owner of REEL and BLU8 Ltd., will outline the future of corrugated packaging, revealing clear strategic pathways for today’s dynamic and rapidly changing industry.
Nick Kirby, Non-Executive Director at Zeus Packaging and FESPA Corrugated Ambassador, comments, “Both myself and FESPA are delighted to provide a platform where the corrugated community can explore cutting-edge technologies and solutions, share knowledge with fellow professionals, and discover new opportunities for business growth. Over recent years, we’ve seen the overlap between print and packaging strengthen, and I am pleased to be able to solidify this connection. Alongside the other events, Corrugated will offer visitors the chance to look beyond packaging and explore cross-sector opportunities in print, textiles, personalisation, and more. I am confident that visitors will leave with a broader outlook into the future of the industry, and their own businesses.”
