interpack 2026 is all set to open its doors in Düsseldorf in eight weeks’ time. To be held from 7-13 May 2026, the global processing and packaging industry will meet to discuss a variety of topics, such as AI, automation, innovative materials, and new skills.
Around 2,800 exhibitors from all over the world will be presenting their latest developments and providing impetus for the future of a globally networked industry.
“interpack 2026 is more important than ever,” says interpack Director Thomas Dohse. “Especially in a challenging market environment, the industry needs a place for dialogue and orientation. Our task now is to view and compare concrete solutions and make well-founded investment decisions.”
Global Dynamics, Challenges, and Opportunities
A look at the big picture reveals that the framework conditions for the industry are complex. Population growth, urbanisation, and changing consumer behaviour are increasing the demand for efficient processing and packaging solutions. At the same time, raw material shortages, regulation, supply chain risks, and a shortfall of skilled labour are increasing the pressure on companies.
Against this backdrop, hot topics at interpack 2026 will focus on specific themes, including Smart Manufacturing, Innovative Materials, and Future Skills. Smart Manufacturing is synonymous with data-based, resource-efficient production – from AI to robotics. Innovative Materials focuses on new packaging materials, functionalities, and design-for-recycling concepts. Lastly, Future Skills examines the changing world of work and the skills required for increasingly digitalised and automated production.
Global Exhibitors
Among the approximately 2,800 companies from 67 countries, many market leaders will be showing an impressive presence. Aasted, SACMI Packaging & Chocolate, Sollich, and Theegarten-Pactec will be some of the companies representing the confectionery and bakery industry in Halls 1, 3, and 4.
The pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries will also find important partners in Halls 15 to 17, including IMA Industria Macchine Automatiche, Marchesini Group, and OPTIMA presenting their portfolios.
In the extensive exhibition area for food, beverages, consumer, and industrial goods in six halls (11 to 14 as well as 5 and 6), companies such as the Coesia, Duravant, Gerhard Schubert, Ishida, KHS, Krones, MULTIVAC, Syntegon Technology, and ULMA Packaging will be setting standards in automation, efficiency, and sustainability.
Halls 7 to 10 will also be playing a key role for the industry. Over 1,000 exhibitors will be presenting materials and end products for packaging, making interpack the world’s most important trade fair for packaging materials. Here you will find companies such as BERICAP, Jokey, Metsä, Sappi Europe, and SCHÜTZ.
Labelling and marking technology in Halls 8a and 8b will be represented by Bluhm Systeme, Domino Printing Sciences, and Totani.
Country Pavilions
interpack also underscores its international significance with numerous national pavilions. Many exhibitors make a joint appearance under one national flag, pooling their expertise in clearly demarcated areas. Among others, joint stands from China, India, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Turkey, and several European countries will be represented.
Inspiring Content
The trade fair will be accompanied by numerous specials. The interpack SPOTLIGHT Forum will have packaging experts discuss current developments and strategic issues concerning the industry. Each of the 7 days is dedicated to a different focus topic, which will be examined from various perspectives in talks, interviews, and presentations. The interpack Start-up Zone is another special platform, a meeting place for young companies, fresh technologies, and innovations that are shaking up the packaging industry.
Another special item on the programme is the presentation of the WorldStar Global Packaging Awards on the exhibition grounds.
With its accompanying trade fair components, interpack also focuses on the expertise of the supplier industry. Here, companies present solutions from the fields of drive technology, control systems, sensor technology, robotics, machine parts, and industrial software, thereby visualising the technological basis of modern processing and packaging solutions.
As part of the SAVE FOOD initiative – a global alliance – interpack will feature the SAVE FOOD Highlight Route, SAVE FOOD Expert Talks & Awards, SAVE FOOD Project Competition, and SAVE FOOD Design & Sustainability Design Awards, with a goal to sustainably reduce food loss and food waste.
Following its successful premiere at interpack 2023, Women in Packaging – the international networking event by women for women – will enter its second round at interpack 2026 as an international platform for exchange, inspiration, and networking. The event will be held on 11 May 2026.
Opening Hours: 10 am – 6 pm (daily).
For further details, visit www.interpack.com
