Review & Outlook: What’s Moving the Packaging Industry! -- interpack 2026

Crises, regulation, and an AI boost: In this interview, Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association at VDMA, reflects on the packaging year 2025 and explains which trends will shape the industry in 2026.

Looking Back at the Packaging Industry in 2025

How would you summarize 2025 for the packaging machinery sector in one sentence?

A difficult economic environment shaped by crises, political uncertainties, and increasing regulatory requirements. Nevertheless, the industry managed to increase exports by seven percent from January to October 2025. The full-year growth is likely to be slightly higher. However, part of this business is based on order backlogs from 2024.

Which of your expectations for 2025 were met - and which did not materialize?

The Commission recognized that regulatory requirements place a heavy burden on companies. Unfortunately, hopes for an end to the war in Ukraine were not fulfilled, and negotiations with the U.S. government regarding tariffs were also not truly successful.

Which (technological) developments had the strongest impact on the industry in 2025?

The use of AI continues to be a development that poses major challenges for companies while simultaneously opening up efficiency gains, new business models, and sales opportunities.

Was there a “game changer” in the past year - an event or trend with lasting impact?

Clearly the requirements of the so-called Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), despite the lack of clarity in several areas.

Which markets or regions proved particularly dynamic for German machinery manufacturers?

In 2025, deliveries to all regions of Africa grew by almost 30 percent. Although the baseline is sometimes low, a significant number of countries show promising development. Exports to Central and South America also recorded strong double-digit growth. Deliveries to the EU and North America showed solid growth as well.

What challenges occupied companies the most in 2025?

High market uncertainties caused by erratic tariff policies, numerous conflicts, and wars led to investment hesitation. Customers have projects but hesitate to make decisions. Economic weakness in China and overcapacity driving export pressure have intensified competition in third countries. Excessive bureaucracy ties up company resources, and administrative costs remain high. We therefore hope for the promised reduction.

How have the new EU regulations on circular economy and packaging affected the industry?

Regulations can also trigger new ideas—and thus innovations. In the field of sustainable concepts, European manufacturers may even become “frontrunners.”

Outlook for the Packaging Industry in 2026

Which trends will dominate the packaging industry in 2026?

In my view, everything related to the use and benefits of AI will remain central. Additionally, the development of “PPWR-compliant” packaging is a top priority. Both will be showcased at interpack.

Where do you see the biggest investment areas for machinery manufacturers and packaging companies?

All fields related to so-called smart manufacturing—admittedly a broad area. I’m thinking about interoperability, or the digital design, testing, optimization, and simulation of machines. The development of new packaging materials and their properties also presents challenges for machine manufacturers.

How will the role of Germany and Europe in the global packaging market evolve, possibly beyond 2026?

More than two-thirds of global packaging machinery exports currently come from Europe, led by Germany and Italy. We can only maintain this position through innovation, new business models, and strategic adjustments. Competition is intensifying, and we must acknowledge that others are improving as well.

What is your personal “big picture” trend for 2026: technology, sustainability, or global connectivity?

We’re not just talking about sustainability—we’re demonstrating the outstanding solutions the industry has to offer. After all, sustainability is impossible without the right technologies. Look forward to a firework of innovations, large and small, at interpack.

What is your personal wish for the industry in 2026?

I hope that crises and uncertainties will finally come to an end and that reason will prevail. For our industry, I hope it focuses on its strengths and showcases the future potential it holds at interpack.

About the Person

Richard Clemens is Managing Director of the Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association at VDMA. As Europe’s largest industrial association, VDMA represents 3,600 German and European mechanical and plant engineering companies. A trained aerospace engineer, he has held leadership positions at VDMA since 1999 and today represents the industry’s interests to policymakers and the public—focusing on sustainability, digitalization, and international competitiveness.

Review & Outlook: What’s Moving the Packaging Industry!