2,800 exhibitors from more than 60 countries to display at Interpack 2026
Industry’s positive sentiment around Interpack 2026 was expressed in the Interpack press briefing, held on 10 November, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
10 Nov 2025 | 662 Views | By Abhay Avadhani & Sai Deepthi P
The world’s largest trade fair for processing and packaging, Interpack, returns to Duesseldorf in May 2026, and Messe Duesseldorf and VDMA are calling on Indian companies to be part of what they describe as the industry’s most important global gathering.
At their Mumbai presentation at Jio World Convention Centre on 10 November, Thomas Dohse, director of Interpack, said that the connection between India and the event is natural, “India is the largest market with the most people, and Interpack is the largest show for processing and packaging in the world, it’s a perfect match.”
Global stage for innovation
Held once every three years, Interpack 2026 is set to feature around 2,800 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, presenting the latest machinery, packaging materials, and technologies across the entire value chain. “It’s not just an exhibition; it’s an experience,” said Dohse. “We will have 3,000 trucks bringing in full-scale machinery, visitors can see complete production lines, live and in action.”
The show, fully booked months in advance, draws more than 70% of its visitors from outside Germany, including senior decision-makers from across the world. “If a company skips Interpack, people in the industry ask what went wrong,” said Dohse, calling it “a must-attend for anyone serious about processing and packaging.”
Industry in transformation
The presentation by Dohse and Richard Clemens, managing director of the food processing and packaging machinery association within VDMA, outlined how the industry continues to grow despite global challenges.
Clemens described the sector as “a very lucky industry”, with rising demand for packaged food and pharmaceuticals worldwide post-pandemic. He cited a projected 11% increase in global packaging consumption over the next five years, driven by population growth, urbanisation, and shifting lifestyles.
India, he said, has become a critical hub not only as a market but also as a manufacturing base. “In the last five years, we’ve seen European companies set up modern production lines near Pune and Bengaluru that could easily stand in Frankfurt,” he said. “India is coming, not only with consumption but with production that serves the world.”
Key themes for 2026
Interpack 2026 will centre on three key themes — smart manufacturing, innovative materials, and future skills.
“Smart manufacturing is about using data effectively, saving water, energy, and material through intelligent processes,” Clemens explained. “Innovation in materials will focus on recyclability and sustainability, while the third theme, future skills, addresses the need to train and attract young professionals to this sector.”
Artificial intelligence will play a visible role at the show. “Three or four years ago, people were still asking what AI really means in practice. Now we’ll show it in action,” Clemens said, noting that predictive maintenance, robotics, and digital twins will be featured technologies.
Sustainability
Sustainability remains the dominant force shaping the industry. Europe’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which mandates 15% recycled content from August 2026, is pushing machinery makers and material suppliers to innovate faster.
“It will be a must to use recycled material, especially for food contact applications,” said Clemens. “That’s why it’s crucial for Indian exporters to understand these evolving standards and engage directly with European partners at Interpack.”
Alongside technology, visitors can expect to see solutions that promote energy and resource efficiency, from hygienic machine design to water-saving processes and lightweight monomaterials.
Future-ready skills
Beyond machinery and materials, Interpack is also addressing people and participation. Dohse highlighted initiatives like the Women in Packaging networking forum and the Young Talents Day, both of which aim to strengthen inclusion and attract new talent to the sector.
“The shortage of skilled workers is a global issue,” Dohse said. “By connecting students and young engineers with the industry, we’re shaping the next generation of packaging professionals.”
A packed agenda The 2026 edition will also feature several familiar highlights
Spotlight forum: Seven days of panel discussions on sustainability, digitalisation, and the circular economy.
Start-up zone: Around 20 start-ups showcasing new technologies and ideas.
Safe food initiative: Promoting the role of packaging in preventing food waste.
WPO WorldStar Awards Ceremony: The industry’s global recognition platform.
Interpack live TV: Offering coverage and interviews streamed from the show floor.
Components show: A dedicated section for drives, sensors, and automation suppliers.
The organisers also reminded Indian participants to plan travel and visas early. “Please do it well in advance,” Dohse urged. “We know how high the demand is for travel from India to Germany, and we want everyone to have a smooth journey.”
‘Welcome home’
Interpack 2026 will once again take place at Duesseldorf, occupying the entire fairground. Dohse described it as “the Louvre of packaging” — 3,00,000 square metres of exhibits, equivalent to 40 football fields. “Our motto is Welcome Home,” he said. “Because when the whole world of packaging and processing comes to Duesseldorf, it feels like coming home.”