interpack 2026: More important than ever

Artificial intelligence, innovative materials, new functionalities and future skills: the major themes of transformation in the industry won't wait. At interpack 2026 in May, visitors will gain valuable insights and make important connections. Market leaders from every stage of the value chain are preparing to attend. The ticket shop is also open now.

Anticipation is growing as interpack reaches the next milestone on the way to its 2026 edition, which will take place from 7 to 13 May. Around 2,800 exhibitors from all over the world are preparing to showcase their latest innovations in Düsseldorf, setting important trends for the future of a globally connected industry.

interpack director, Thomas Dohse, says: interpack 2026 is more important than ever. 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 urbanisation, rising incomes and changing consumer behaviour, 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 labour is scarce; and the pace of innovation is high. Added to this are geopolitical risks.

Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association within the VDMA, says: In such a dynamic market situation, a global summit like interpack is a central source of impetus and therefore of particular value. 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 pharma. In 2024, global sales of packaged food reached 872 million tonnes, and this figure is expected to rise by 11.1 % to 968 million tonnes 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.

These exhibitors will be there

The exhibitors at interpack 2026 recognise the potential of personal encounters for their business. Among the approximately 2,800 companies from over 60 countries, many market leaders will be presenting impressive displays. In the confectionery and bakery sector, for example, Aasted, Sollich, Theegarten-Pactec and SACMI Packaging & Chocolate will be present. This sector will span 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 showcasing their portfolios in Halls 15 to 17.

Across six halls (11–14 as well as 5 and 6), the extensive exhibition area for food, beverages, consumer goods and industrial products will see companies including the COESIA Group, Duravant, Gerhard Schubert, Ishida, KHS, Krones, MULTIVAC, Syntegon Technology and ULMA Packaging set benchmarks in automation, efficiency and sustainability.

Halls 7, 7a, 8a, 9 and 10 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 be present.

Bluhm Systeme, Domino Printing Sciences and Totani will be showcasing labelling and marking technology in Halls 8a and 8b.

Services for visitors

The interpack exhibitor and product database is now live, offering visitors the ideal tool to prepare for their trade fair experience. Even before arriving in Düsseldorf, attendees can explore companies, discover products and innovations, and plan their visit efficiently. At present, all main exhibitors are already listed, with co-exhibitors being added on an ongoing basis to ensure the most up-to-date overview.

The ticket shop has also been open since 1 October. Visitors to the website will find comprehensive information on preparing for the trade fair, as well as travel and accommodation options. The new hotel service provides a clear overview of accommodation options for interpack, making comparisons easier.

During the trade fair, MyOrganizer and the interpack app will help visitors plan and navigate on site.

interpack is already engaging the industry through its digital channels with analyses, trends and insights. This means that exhibitors and trade visitors alike can benefit from the interpack community's expertise all year round. The interpack magazine provides news, interviews and reports both at the trade fair and online throughout the year. Once a month, subscribers receive a newsletter containing the latest content. With 'Let's Talk Processing & Packaging', interpack also offers a concise LinkedIn newsletter that showcases the latest industry insights alongside content from interpack and the interpack alliance, connecting followers worldwide.