SAVE FOOD at interpack 2026

Together against food loss

The SAVE FOOD Initiative, as a global alliance, is strongly committed to promoting responsible resource management along the entire food supply chain. Its goal is to sustainably reduce food loss and food waste.

To achieve this, we support innovative agricultural approaches, smart logistics solutions, and forward-looking processing and packaging concepts. This commitment is complemented by initiatives to raise awareness among households and to strengthen political dialogue on this topic.

Discover our activities at interpack – we are delighted to be part of it.

Expert Talks & Awards

Design & Sustainability Design Awards

Highlight Route

Project Competition

SAVE FOOD Expert Talks, Awards & Get-together

Expertise. Innovation. Global Collaboration.

Event-Details

Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Hall 1, Room 14

Reducing food loss and food waste is one of the greatest global challenges of our time. This is exactly where the SAVE FOOD initiative comes in: it works worldwide to reduce food loss and food waste and to promote sustainable solutions along the entire food value chain.

During interpack, the SAVE FOOD Initiative brings together international experts from industry, international organizations, and institutions through the “Expert Talks” event to discuss current developments, exchange knowledge, and present innovative solutions.

A particular focus is placed on innovative processing and packaging technologies that help extend the shelf life of food, reduce transport losses, and improve efficiency along the supply chain.

The event combines expert talks, panel discussions, awards, and networking, providing a platform for inspiration, knowledge exchange, and new collaborations.

Partners of the SAVE FOOD initiative include international organizations such as UNIDO, FAO, and the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), which work together with Messe Düsseldorf to strengthen global collaboration in reducing food loss and food waste.

Take the opportunity to exchange ideas with international experts and gain new insights for sustainable solutions.

Program & Highlights

SAVE FOOD Awards Ceremony

A highlight of the forum is the SAVE FOOD Awards Ceremony, where innovative approaches and outstanding commitment to reducing food loss are recognized.

Expert Talks

In two panel discussions, international organizations, industry experts, and companies will discuss current developments and present practical solutions.

Panel 1 – Market Regulations & Importance of the Topic
Representatives from international organizations will discuss regulatory developments, global challenges, and the growing importance of addressing food loss and waste.

With contributions from FAO, UNIDO, WPO, and Messe Düsseldorf.

Panel 2 – Best Practices
Members of the SAVE FOOD initiative and industry representatives will present concrete best-practice examples and demonstrate how packaging solutions and innovative technologies can help reduce food loss.

Networking

The event concludes with a networking session offering participants the opportunity to connect directly with panelists and other experts.

Participation is limited to ensure intensive exchange and interactive discussions.

SAVE FOOD Design & Sustainability Design Awards

Innovative products. Sustainable solutions. Real impact.

Are you exhibiting at interpack / components and have developed an innovative packaging solution, technology or system that reduces food loss or measurably improves sustainability?

Then take the opportunity to present your innovation on the big stage of interpack and apply for the SAVE FOOD DESIGN & SUSTAINABILITY DESIGN Awards.

Participation is free of charge.

Submission deadline: 31 March 2026

Two categories to showcase your innovation

SAVE FOOD DESIGN

For solutions that reduce food loss and waste along the entire value chain – from materials and technologies to holistic end-to-end concepts.

SUSTAINABILITY DESIGN

For products, machinery, systems and services with positive environmental impact and a reduced CO₂ footprint – including material efficiency, recyclability, ESG strategies and regulatory compliance.

The following areas, among others, will be considered:

Materials and packaging formats
Packaging machinery
Material reduction & efficiency
Systems, processes & technologies
End-to-end solutions along the entire supply chain
Recyclability & end-of-life concepts
ESG strategies
Compliance with national and regional regulatory requirements
Environmental and societal innovation drivers
Others

A high-level jury composed of representatives from FAO, UNIDO, WPO and Messe Düsseldorf will award Gold, Silver and Bronze to the three best solutions per category.

How to apply

Please send the following documents by email to info@save-food.org

the completed application form
a one-page product description in PDF format
a product image in JPG format (max. 5 MB)

The award ceremony will take place as part of the SAVE FOOD Expert Talks.

Apply now - Awards

SAVE FOOD Highlight Route – daily (May 7–13, 2026)

Discover. Learn. Connect.

Save Food@interpack, Photo: Messe Düsseldorf / C. Tillmann

Experience selected SAVE FOOD highlights and best practices directly at the stands of SAVE FOOD Initiative members at nterpack.

Further details will follow soon.

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Project Competition SAVE FOOD Initiative

Are you working on a project to combat food loss?

The project competition recognizes impactful projects that actively contribute to reducing food losses and food waste, particularly in the areas of processing and packaging.

Terms & Conditions

Members, partners, and participating organizations of the SAVE FOOD Initiative are eligible to apply
Both existing projects and new project ideas can be submitted
The project must be implemented within one year

Prize money

Prize money of up to EUR 5,000 is available for the best projects.

Become part of the solution – and submit your idea to help reduce food waste!

Submission deadline: 31 March 2026

Apply now - Project Competition