Materials, packaging materials and packaging aids: The full variety for all applications at interpack 2026

“Innovative Materials” is one of the hot topics at interpack 2026 and the packaging materials area of the trade fair brings together the packaging industry’s concentrated expertise – with over 1,000 exhibitors and a globally unique variety of packaging solutions, packaging materials and packaging aids.

New material technologies are shaping the packaging of tomorrow: highly developed plastics, fibre-based materials and smart coatings are optimising shelf life, protection and recyclability. From 7 to 13 May, the packaging area at interpack 2026 will showcase tried-and-tested solutions in new applications along with the latest developments and innovations. It will be bringing together more than 1,000 manufacturers of packaging solutions, packaging materials and packaging aids from all over the world in seven halls and floors, including many premieres by first-time exhibitors. In total, 2,800 exhibitors are expected at interpack.

“The variety of materials and their applications at interpack is unique anywhere in the world,” says Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack. “By making Innovative Materials our hot topic, we are consciously placing the packaging materials sector at the strategic focus this year and consolidating developments from international markets.”

Plastic-based packaging solutions and flexible packaging

Looking at the global market situation, flexible and rigid plastic packaging types occupy the largest market share in consumer goods packaging, at a total of 65 per cent (2024, VDMA/Euromonitor). At interpack, exhibitors will be showcasing numerous plastic solutions too – containers and flexible packaging, including bio-based films with a clear focus on sustainability. Drawing the crowds in Hall 9 will be Sonoco, Taghleef Industries, groku Kunststoffe, Jokey, Aries Packaging and Nurel, among others, while Schütz, Greif Packaging, Werit Kunststoffwerke, the Armando Alvarez Group, Irplast, Hipac and the SIT Group will be exhibiting in Hall 10. The caps and closures segment will be covered by companies such as United Caps and Bericap.

Taghleef Industries, which will be exhibiting in Hall 9, will be showing a wide range of films. “This includes bio-based and recycled solutions for flexible packaging and labels. Monomaterial PP films and material-reduced variants emphasise our focus on recyclability and reduced material usage,” says Ambra Stocco, European Marcom Manager & Label Lead at Taghleef Industries, describing the company’s portfolio.

Schütz is among the exhibitors with a particularly extensive presence in the packaging sector and will be represented in Hall 10. Here, visitors can look forward to plastics solutions for industry and logistics. “Our interpack presence in 2026 will focus on smart packaging concepts that optimally combine economic efficiency with ecological sustainability. With our product and service innovations, we provide customers across the world with pioneering solutions to make their logistics processes even safer and more resource-efficient,” says Veit Enders, Member of the Board at Schütz.

There will also be a wide range of packaging aids such as adhesives and adhesive tapes in Halls 7 and 10. Suppliers such as Henkel, Jowat, Selig Group, H.B. Fuller, Tesa and Sicad will be exhibiting solutions for different applications and material combinations.

Paper-based packaging solutions, cardboard and packaging printing

Paper and cardboard-based packaging occupies a global market share of around 16 per cent for consumer goods. Further growth of around eight per cent is expected for this segment by 2029. At interpack, the area for paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard and packaging printing can be found in Hall 8a. Among others, Metsä Board, Stora Enso, Sappi, Koehler, Starkraft and Printcity will be presenting their portfolios there. Labelling and coating solutions from CCL Label, Actega, Michelman and Stahl Packaging will be some of the products on show, likewise in Hall 8a.

Metal and glass packaging

Metal packaging, in particular cans and can seaming systems, will be featured in Hall 7a. The companies represented will include Soudronic, Lanico, the IPA (International Packaging Association), Emballator, Umar Makina and SPL Industries. “The demand for complete canning lines is increasing, especially in the pet food sector,” says Ruedi Umbricht, COO of Soudronic AG. “The drivers of this demand are sustainability requirements and the CO₂ footprint of packaging, or strategic considerations for expanding the value chain. In terms of sustainability and CO₂-balance, the steel can offers distinct advantages. Soudronic, as a manufacturer of turnkey can production lines, will be presenting visitors to interpack with a whole variety of options for producing metal packaging.” According to industry figures, the share of metal packaging is currently 12 per cent, with forecast growth of 13 per cent in the coming years.

Glass packaging, a classic among packaging solutions, will also be represented at interpack. In Hall 10, the Federal Association of the German Glass Industry (BV Glas) will be a central point of contact, providing information on current developments and trends. Glass accounted for eight per cent of retail sales of consumer goods packaging in 2024 and is expected to grow by a further six per cent by 2029.

Alternative and bio-based materials

Alternative and new materials, especially in Hall 9, will provide an additional flourish with exhibitors such as Jonatura, Plantera, Innovia Films, Natureworks and Pacovis. Here, the focus will be on innovations in the field of bio-based plastics, while fibre-based materials will be on show in Hall 8a. Metsä Board and Stora Enso, for example, will be two of the must-visit stands.

Hot Topic 2026: Innovative Materials

With “Innovative Materials”, interpack is once again placing its special focus on the topic of materials. These have always been of central importance to the packaging industry. At the same time, requirements are constantly increasing: new regulatory provisions, higher expectations of sustainability and recyclability, plus additional functional requirements are the characteristics of material development. Therefore, under the hot topic “Innovative Materials”, the focus will be on materials, material concepts and design approaches that combine functionality, resource efficiency and recyclability.

“One of the key tasks for companies in all sectors today is to utilise resources efficiently and to consistently close material flows worldwide. We view modern technology as the key to mastering these challenges of the circular economy. For us, interpack is the most important platform for discussing these approaches live with our partners,” Veit Enders from Schütz categorises the challenges.

Save the date: Tuesday at interpack in the Spotlight Forum

Visitors with a particular interest in material solutions can also make a note of 12 May: that is when “Innovative Materials” is set to take centre stage at the interpack Spotlight Forum. The programme will be announced in good time.

More detailed information on exhibitors, products and material solutions can be found in the interpack exhibitor and product database: http://www.interpack.com/1410