Abhay Avadhani's Interpack Diary

The air in Dusseldorf is electric; it smells of new machines and future polymers and the loss of Bayern Munich to  Paris Saint-Germain. Interpack 2026, the global packaging marathon, is officially underway. Having secured my German visa for the six-day trip, I arrived prepared, my schedule pre-loaded with interviews designed to capture the pulse of the industry for WhatPackaging? magazine. Following our extensive pre-event podcast with the Interpack and VDMA heads, my mission is clear: to deliver live coverage across articles, videos, and our daily eBulletin. And so, I am here to cover the 2,800 exhibitors from 67 countries, focusing on themes that matter most to our Indian readership.

Day One plunged straight into the heart of innovation. I had my first confirmed engagement: a video interview with the Actega Metal Print team. I met them at their booth, Hall 8A, Stand D59, where the star attraction was the Ecoleaf technology, a must-see for anyone tracking sustainable decorative solutions.

The dominant conversation everywhere revolves around sustainability and the urgency of PPWR readiness. It’s a multi-pronged challenge demanding multiple solutions. Walking the halls, I see companies tackling it from every angle. Toppan Group, Toppan Packaging Czech s.r.o., and IRPLAST S.p.A. are showcasing how they combine barrier technology, mono-materials, and recycled content to create recyclable, high-performance flexible packaging. Even the veteran material suppliers are pivoting; Koehler Paper, whose campaign features “the cat with 25 lives,” is emphasising paper- and board-based circular solutions, including a new generation of flexible packaging paper and high-quality board products made from 100% secondary fibres (Hall 8a, Booth D42). Meanwhile, Tipa Compostable Packaging is attracting crowds in their stand with a new high-barrier compostable films and sachet solutions for the food and snack markets.

Beyond materials, the show confirms what we discussed in our preview podcast: the packaging ecosystem is turning “Phygital” (Physical + Digital). Clearpack Group is displaying automated packaging solutions that are "connected, future-ready, and more productive than ever," serving diverse sectors from food to pharmaceuticals. Sun Chemical is also driving this digital shift, demonstrating innovations like digital product passports, laser marking, and ultra efficient LED and EB systems, truly "turning transformation into action".

It's clear that India, with its 113 exhibitors, is shifting the narrative from being a mere “competitor on price” to a sophisticated “partner in engineering”. This show isn't just about covering new technology; it’s about shaping the industry dialogue, a core goal of the WhatPackaging? rebrand. The vibrant Eurasia-One team at UFlex-Films is eager to connect with partners, reinforcing the spirit of partnership that defines this exhibition.

My focus shifts tomorrow. Day Two is highlighted by a critical interaction with Vaibhav Jha, the chief executive ffficer of Ester Industries. This is part of WhatPackaging?'s collaboration to showcase key Indian players. Ester’s booth features a diverse product list, including ultra heat seal films, transparent high barrier film, medium/high barrier metalised film, white opaque film, and thermoformable film.

The next few days promise to be intense, delivering the cutting-edge packaging content our readers expect.