India at Interpack: Rewriting the rules of sustainable packaging

With approximately 2,800 exhibitors from 67 countries gathering to set the agenda, the central narratives are clear: an aggressive global push towards sustainability, the disruptive influence of AI, and a non-negotiable adherence to high-precision automation. On this immense global stage, India—represented by 113 exhibitors—is not just participating; it is repositioning itself as a key engineering partner and a leader in innovative, customised solutions.

Industry leaders, including VDMA’s Richard Clemens, have observed the evolution of Indian machinery manufacturers, noting a shift from being mere “competitors on price” to becoming sophisticated “partners in engineering”.

The top Indian companies heading to Interpack 2026 underscore this transition, showcasing a diverse range of technologies across five major sectors that address both complex regulatory demands and the fundamental need for a greener supply chain.

Pharma and healthcare: Beyond filling bottles

Demands in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector are intensifying, moving far beyond traditional filling lines to embrace isolator technology and data integrity to meet stringent requirements like the latest EU GMP Annex 1 guidelines.

Indian companies are stepping up with high-precision, compliant machinery. ACG World is a prime example, showcasing the “smart connected factory” concept where integrated lines allow blister machines and cartoners to communicate via AI, enabling predictive maintenance and boosting efficiency.

Safety is another key focus, with Adam Fabriwerk presenting closed-system processing solutions specifically for handling oncology drugs to ensure operator protection. Meanwhile, Mecwell Pharma is tackling cross-contamination challenges with zero-dust tablet counting, which is critical for high-potency pharmaceuticals.

The drive for compact, efficient solutions is met by SRK Engineering, which is presenting monoblock filling/capping systems designed to fit into ultra-small cleanroom footprints. For specialised packaging, Printpack Engineers is highlighting braille-embossing folder gluers for cartons, and Rita Pad Printing is demonstrating medical-grade inks engineered to survive sterilisation for use on surgical tools.

On the materials side, Compak is launching PVC-free blister foils, directly aligning with Europe’s sustainability mandates, while Aero Plast Ltd offers high-barrier sterilisation pouches featuring colour-changing indicators for enhanced safety.

Flexible packaging: The war on multi-layer

Perhaps the most public battle at Interpack is the “war on multi-layer,” driven by the industry’s “race to zero” to green the supply chain. The core objective is to replace complex, non-recyclable plastic structures like PET/PE with mono-materials that can be efficiently processed in standard recycling streams.

Indian firms are central to this transformation. UFlex is leading the charge by highlighting aseptic liquid packaging that significantly reduces aluminium content, making the resulting materials easier to recycle. Similarly, Constantia Flexibles (India) is showcasing AluFree laminates, which substantially cut the carbon footprint of traditional foil packaging.

Beyond material structure, packaging constituents are being addressed. Brilliant Polymers is featuring low-monomer adhesives to prevent chemical migration into food products. Meanwhile, a strong push toward bio-alternatives is evident: Ecolastic Products is displaying seaweed and starch-based films that can dissolve in water or compost, and Dinearth is showcasing sugarcane bagasse plates and trays that are oven-safe up to 180°C.

Even transit packaging is being innovated, with Ajit Industries presenting recyclable tapes where the adhesive avoids contaminating the paper recycling process, and Aum Paper Products showing paper pallets that are as strong as wood but 70% lighter for air freight logistics.

Machinery and automation: The Industry 4.0 shift

The modern packaging line is undergoing a seismic shift, moving from dated mechanical systems to sophisticated, servo-driven, IoT-enabled robotics. This is part of the global Industry 4.0 shift, where AI is viewed as the next wave of innovation to make processes "safer, smarter, and more efficient”.