A Compass for the Future -- interpack 2029

Three decades of association leadership, technological transformation, and an industry in constant evolution: In the second part of our double interview, Richard Clemens and Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim discuss competitiveness, future prospects, and the importance of interpack 2026. At the same time, Richard Clemens reflects on a long and influential career at the VDMA.

Mr. Clemens, you have played a key role in building up the association over more than three decades. What are you particularly proud of, and what challenges do you see for the future?

Richard Clemens: Perhaps pride is not quite the right word. What I am truly grateful for is that the VDMA has become a strong and respected voice for the industry. Over the years, we have built such a close and trusted network with our member companies and industry partners that I would almost describe it as a family. We have also maintained strong ties with our partners in academia and research, supporting numerous projects that have helped advance the industry technologically and strengthen its innovative capabilities.

One challenge that remains – and one that is particularly urgent – is safeguarding the competitiveness of German companies. In the face of the multiple crises and difficult conditions we are currently experiencing on many levels, this is our most important task. Unfortunately, it is not the easiest one.

In an environment shaped by increasing regulation, globalization, and technological disruption, the need for guidance is growing. How can the association further strengthen its role as a compass for its members in the years ahead?

Clemens: “Compass” is a very fitting term. In fact, the VDMA has developed a tool specifically designed to help our member companies navigate what is often a complex regulatory landscape. The VDMA Regulatory Cockpit provides members with a centralized, practical overview of current and upcoming regulations. It enables companies to identify relevant developments at an early stage, assess their strategic implications, and derive concrete courses of action. This helps them stay ahead of regulatory requirements and make informed decisions in an increasingly complex business environment.

And that is just one of many examples of how the association can provide practical guidance and support. Ultimately, our role is to help members understand emerging developments, anticipate challenges, and turn knowledge into action.

interpack 2026

Mr. Schmid-Wiedersheim, you are very familiar with major industry events from your previous career. How did you experience interpack 2026 – now from the perspective of the association?

Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim: For me, interpack 2026 once again proved itself to be a true leading trade fair for the industry. It offered a comprehensive range of solutions, brought together all the key players, and showcased a wealth of innovations across the exhibition halls. We should not underestimate the value of hosting several international flagship events of this caliber here in Germany. The global packaging community comes to us – and it does so because Europe remains a highly innovative region in this field, not to mention a place that is safe, open, and highly attractive for business and collaboration. In that respect, interpack sent a very positive signal. At the same time, we cannot afford to become complacent. We must continue to actively evolve the fair’s topics, messages, and target audiences to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the needs of the industry. Only by doing so can interpack continue to be the place where the industry gathers to exchange ideas, showcase innovation, and set the agenda for the future.

The interpack has always reflected the state of the industry – both technologically and strategically. From your perspectives, what did interpack 2026 make particularly clear? Where does the industry truly stand today?

Schmid-Wiedersheim: The industry has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt to changing requirements, and interpack 2026 once again provided clear evidence of that resilience. Demand for modern packaging technology remains strong. At the same time, expectations are evolving significantly. Packaging is expected to become more attractive, more flexible, and, above all, more environmentally sustainable. This is where the industry's greatest challenge currently lies – and also where a certain tension exists. On the one hand, companies must meet growing production volumes and increasingly diverse customer demands. On the other hand, expectations regarding resource efficiency and circularity continue to rise. These competing demands are driving an exceptionally high level of innovation. interpack clearly demonstrated that this is an industry that is constantly evolving and continuously pushing the boundaries of technological development. The message from the exhibition was unmistakable: the industry is not standing still – it is on a continuous journey of innovation and transformation.

Competition & Positioning

German mechanical engineering is regarded as a global leader, yet competitive pressure from other regions is clearly increasing. What does the industry need to do differently today than it did ten years ago in order to maintain its position?

Clemens: Future viability and competitiveness have always been at the top of our agenda. Together with our member companies, we have consistently sought to provide guidance by exploring future scenarios and helping businesses prepare for what lies ahead. Today, however, the industry must adapt to change far more quickly than ever before. Ten years ago, companies could still rely on long-term strategies and relatively stable planning horizons. In today’s fast-moving world, that approach is no longer sufficient. Change and complexity have become the new normal. The companies that will be best positioned to succeed are those that are willing to learn continuously, respond quickly to new developments, and adapt flexibly to changing conditions. Agility, resilience, and the ability to embrace change are now critical competitive advantages.

Looking back on your time at the VDMA, was there a particular moment that, for you, epitomizes the industry – a conversation, a decision, or a situation that has stayed with you over the years?

Clemens: Honestly, there have been many. I have always found the numerous – and often very intensive – conversations with our member companies to be immensely rewarding. However, the exceptionally close and frequent contact we maintained with our members during the COVID-19 pandemic was truly extraordinary.

This industry is shaped by a great many strong and innovative personalities, and having the opportunity to get to know them has been a privilege.

And finally, a personal question, Mr. Clemens: After three decades in a defining leadership role, you are stepping away from day-to-day responsibilities. What will you take with you from this experience, and what are you looking forward to most?

Clemens: People have always been at the heart of this future-oriented industry, and that is what I will take with me above all. I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing my hobbies. However, at least for the time being, those plans will have to wait. Following a vacancy, I agreed to take on the role of Interim Managing Director for the VDMA Printing and Paper Technology Association until the end of the year, while a permanent solution is being put in place.

A Compass for the Future