interpack 2026: When an Industry Shapes the Future Together

A week that lingers: interpack 2026 showed what is possible when a global industry comes together – with ideas, courage, and a true spirit of optimism. A look back at a trade fair that was more than a meeting point: it was a statement for the future.

Sometimes it’s not just numbers, highlights, and headlines that make a trade fair unforgettable. Sometimes it’s a feeling. The energy. The moment when an entire industry comes together – and you can sense: something significant is happening right here, right now.

interpack 2026 was exactly that kind of moment.

It was more than just a trade fair. It was a powerful signal. A vivid testament to how interconnected, innovative, and forward-looking the global packaging and processing industry has become. Across the halls, it became tangible what real change means: new technologies, new materials, new processes – not as visions, but in concrete application, in live operation, and in direct exchange.

Over the course of seven days, the fully occupied Düsseldorf exhibition grounds became the stage for an impressive showcase of performance: 2,804 exhibitors from 65 countries met with trade visitors from 161 nations. With 75 percent international attendees – 28 percent of them from overseas – these figures speak of global relevance. Of reach. Of an industry drawing closer together.

And that feeling was palpable everywhere.
Full halls. Intense conversations. Dense, focused encounters. This was not just about gathering information – this was about debating, testing, making decisions. This was where partnerships were formed, deals were sealed, and projects were set in motion that will shape the years to come.

“This was a top-tier interpack. Highly frequented halls, intense exchange, and concrete projects have shown the strength of this global community. interpack is the most important meeting point for the industry worldwide, and this edition clearly confirmed that,” said Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack, as the doors slowly closed.

This exceptional quality is also echoed by the industry itself: “We look back on an extremely successful interpack 2026. The high quality and international diversity of visitors underline the importance of the event – especially against the backdrop of current global crises. In addition to selling several packaging systems, we were able to initiate numerous new projects,” reported Markus Rustler, President & CEO, Theegarten-Pactec.

interpack met an industry in transition. Markets are growing – but requirements are changing rapidly. Regulatory topics such as the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) marked a real turning point.

“Many customers came to the stand asking which recyclable materials are available—specifically those that do not entail any significant compromises in machine performance or the shelf life of food,” said Nadja Strehlau, Local Sales Assistant DACH at Sealed Air.

One thing became clear: the industry is not responding in isolated steps, but holistically. Materials, machines, and processes are increasingly being considered as integrated systems. Solutions are emerging systemically. Automation, data-driven applications, and smart manufacturing are already a reality. Innovation is no longer visible only in the details – but in the interplay.

Or, as Flavio Froehli, VP Marketing & Sales at Sappi Europe, puts it: “interpack has once again confirmed its position as the world’s leading platform for the packaging industry – with a clear message: leadership today is defined by implementing change at scale. Innovation has evolved from concept to execution. The future of packaging will not be shaped by ideas alone, but by those who can reliably implement these ideas at scale. At Sappi, we are proud to help drive this transformation.”

The trade fair clearly demonstrated how much the role of packaging is changing – while at the same time gaining strategic importance. “…it is far more than just packaging for storage and transport! Packaging ensures quality, shelf life, and safety, while also serving as a marketing tool. It is therefore indispensable!” said Veit Enders, Member of the Executive Board of the SCHÜTZ Group. Packaging is therefore far more than just a wrapper. It is protection, a medium of information, a driver of efficiency – and a key to sustainable transformation.

Digitalization is clearly advancing as well. “Business is becoming increasingly international, and the industry is clearly moving toward two-dimensional codes – the one-dimensional code will gradually disappear. Two-dimensional codes offer significantly higher information density and flexibility,” explains Reto Heil, Head of Marketing at REA Elektronik.

At the same time, innovative strength is also taking very tangible forms – and is being visibly recognized: “For us, interpack 2026 was a special highlight. Our products Cubo and Click In Lid received a total of four awards … This recognition confirms our commitment to innovation,” says Jörg Sabo, Global Marketing & Innovation Director at Greiner Packaging.

These developments make one thing clear: the future of packaging is connected, data-driven – and already a reality in practice.

It wasn’t just the innovations on the exhibition stands. It was also the perspectives beyond them. Formats such as the interpack Spotlight Forum, the SAVE FOOD Expert Talks, Women in Packaging, the Start-up Zone, and the Young Talents Day demonstrated how broadly the transformation is being discussed.

This was about ideas. About exchange. About future skills.

And above all: about people.

More than full order books. More than new contacts. What remains is the feeling of having been part of something bigger. A combination of global reach, technological depth, and a genuine spirit of momentum. The certainty that this industry is ready to take on major challenges – with innovation, collaboration, and courage.

Or simply put:
The packaging world came together – and it was extraordinary.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who made interpack possible. You turned this trade fair into what it was – a true highlight.

And while the halls may now be empty, one thing remains clear:
We will meet again. In 2029.