interpack’s Exciting Specials Reveal New Perspectives

From packaging world stars and newcomers to roving reporters, food rescuers and the co-packer scene, to unique women and the movers and shakers of today and tomorrow: Visitors can look forward to many exciting specials at interpack.

Whether it’s Deep Dive in the in-house TV studio, the renowned awards ceremony, or lectures focusing on moving topics of the future, interpack has it all. To be held from 4 to 10 May, 2023, at the prodigious Messe Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre, there will be numerous new special areas and promotions to complement the offerings of the approximately 2,700 exhibitors. As such, this trade fair offers a broad spectrum on the critical issues facing the industry for 2023 and beyond.

“We’re diving deep into the most important topics in the processing and packaging industry,” says Thomas Dohse, Director interpack. “We are about putting tomorrow’s opportunities and challenges on the agenda. That is why we have redesigned our supporting programme. We look forward to numerous voices from experts as well as ground-breaking innovations and projects.”

Spotlight on the defining industry issues
“Spotlight talks & trends” at interpack means seven days of input on the most crucial topics and trends in the industry, best practices, exciting applications and their drivers for innovation and growth. Specialist media company Deutscher Fachverlag (dfv) is partnering the lecture forum. Each day, presentations, case studies, and interactive sessions with top industry experts will be held on topics related to logistics, circular economy, sustainability, digital technologies, product safety, and e-commerce. Companies such as Siemens, Schütz, and Markem-Imaje have already announced their attendance for presentations.

Focus on packaging innovations
Like no other trade fair, interpack stands for major product launches, technological news, and packaging innovations. These will be highlighted again this year through award ceremonies.

The WorldStar Global Packaging Awards 2023, presented by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), will be of particular appeal at interpack 2023. The award, considered the most prestigious packaging award in the world, will feature a total of 228 award winners, demonstrating the innovative strength of the industry. This year’s edition also features new and exciting categories including Gift Packaging, Digital Packaging, and the special category Accessible Packaging. Around 400 participants are expected to attend the award ceremony to be held on 6 May, 2023.

The PackTheFuture Award, an initiative of IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen – the German industrial association for plastic packaging – and its French partner ELIPSO will also be handed out during interpack. The award honours innovative and sustainable packaging solutions made of plastic. The aim is to promote and publicise the contribution of plastic packaging to climate protection, the circular economy and responsible consumption. Awards are given for the best designs for recycling, sustainable material sourcing, or consumer benefits, among others.

New in the industry: interpack Start-up Zone
Every year, new start-up companies enrich the world of packaging. Ten of them, including Easy2Cool, Packwise, Recyda, and Releaf Paper, will make their first major appearance at interpack 2023 and present themselves to an international trade audience in the Start-up Zone, Hall 15.

Packing in-house and outsourcing
Processing and packaging services are the focus of the new special area on contract packaging. The joint booth in Hall 12 will feature co-packing suppliers for packaging and processing food or consumer goods, as well as additional services related to packaging and configuring products. Netherlands-headquartered European Co-Packers Association (ECPA) is the channel partner, representing around 1,000 members of the professional contract packaging industry in Europe, making it a valuable resource for brand owners, manufacturers, and retailers looking to outsource production.

SAVE FOOD Highlight Route
Around 30 exhibitors at interpack are also members of the SAVE FOOD initiative, which since 2011 has been dedicated to fighting food loss and wastage on a global scale. The ‘SAVE FOOD Highlight Route’ offers visitors an insight into new technologies that help reduce food losses and increase product safety. The SAVE FOOD booth in the North Entrance Area will also provide information about the initiative and show initial results of the joint study with Bahçeşehir University (BAU), Istanbul, Turkey, on the production of bio-based packaging materials from food waste or food by-products. For more information on the fight against food loss and waste, the “Product Safety” theme day on 9 May, 2023, in the “Spotlight talks & trends” lecture forum is a valuable place to start.

Unique Women in Packaging
Though “Unique Women in Packaging” do exist, women are far too few in the industry, with only a miniscule making it to the executive levels. Especially in times of a shortage of skilled labour, valuable potential often remains untapped. Many women also seek contact with like-minded people. So there are many good reasons for a women’s network. This year, interpack is promoting an exchange for the first time with an event organized by women for women. Together with the Women Presidents Organization (WOP) – a global women business leader’s collective – it is hosting a panel discussion followed by networking on 8 May, 2023. Participants have the opportunity to expand their professional network, get inspired by other women, and share experiences. All women who are already working in the industry as well as interested junior staff, trainees, and students are invited.

“Late Night” during the day: Live TV from the trade fair
interpack’s Tightly Packed TV studio and magazine will also be celebrating a premiere. In the atmosphere of a “late night” studio, there will be exciting talk shows with well-known heads of the industry, discussions on the most important topics, and live broadcasts from the exhibition halls. The studio is located in the transition area from the North Entrance to Hall 9 on the second floor. All broadcasts will also be transmitted on the Internet.

For all the latest news and updates on interpack 2023, visit www.interpack.com