INTERPACK 2026: More Important Than Ever
Artificial intelligence, innovative materials, new functionalities and future skills: the major themes of transformation in the industry will not wait. At the interpack 2026 trade fair, visitors will gain valuable insights and make important connections. Market leaders from every stage of the value chain are preparing to participate.
When interpack takes place from May 7-13, 2026, around 2,800 exhibitors from all over the world will showcase their latest innovations in Düsseldorf, Germany, setting important trends for the future of a globally connected industry.
“interpack 2026 is more important than ever,” said interpack director Thomas Dohse. “Against the backdrop of profound transformation across many sectors, a wide range of topics are on the agenda, including AI, automation, new regulations, the need for future skills, and innovative materials. Now is the time to take action together.”
Global Dynamics, Challenges and Opportunities
Due to population growth, rapid urbanization, rising incomes and changing consumer behavior, the processing and packaging industry is in high demand now and will continue to be so in the future. At the same time, however, companies face major challenges: raw materials are limited and expensive; regulations are becoming increasingly complex, creating an enormous administrative burden; supply chains are uncertain; skilled labor is scarce; and the pace of innovation is high. Added to this are geopolitical risks.
“In such a dynamic market situation, a global summit like interpack is a central source of impetus and therefore of particular value,” stated Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association within the VDMA. “Here, solutions are presented that contribute to conserving resources, making processes more efficient, and securing long-term competitiveness along the entire value chain. Those who want to actively shape change need innovative technologies and a smart strategic orientation because only in this way can ecological and economic challenges be successfully overcome.”
The outlook is positive, particularly in the core markets of food and pharmaceuticals. In 2024, global sales of packaged food reached 872 million tons, and this figure is expected to rise by 11.1% to 968 million tons by 2029. The pharmaceutical market is also growing, with an increase in production value from €1.9 trillion in 2024 to €2.4 trillion projected by 2029.
Exhibitors
The exhibitors at interpack 2026 recognize the potential of personal encounters for their business. Among the approximately 2,800 companies from over 60 countries, many market leaders will present impressive displays. In the confectionery and bakery sector, for example, Aasted, Sollich, Theegarten-Pactec and SACMI Packaging & Chocolate will be present. This sector will be located in Halls 1, 3 and 4.
The pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries will also find important partners at interpack, with companies such as IMA Industria Macchine, the Marchesini Group and OPTIMA in halls 15 to 17.
In six halls (11–14 as well as 5 and 6), the extensive exhibition area for food, beverages, consumer goods and industrial products will include the COESIA Group, Duravant, Gerhard Schubert, Ishida, KHS, Krones, MULTIVAC, Syntegon Technology and ULMA Packaging, setting benchmarks in automation, efficiency and sustainability.
Halls 7, 7a, 8a, 9 and 10 will play a central role for the industry at interpack. Around 1,000 exhibitors will present materials and finished packaging products there. With its cross-industry offering of packaging materials, packaging means and packaging auxiliaries, this segment is the world's largest trade fair for packaging materials. Companies such as BERICAP, Jokey, Metsä, Sappi Europe and SCHÜTZ will participate.
Bluhm Systeme, Domino Printing Sciences and Totani will display labeling and marking technology in Halls 8a and 8b.
For further information, visit www.interpack.com.
