Around 2,800 exhibitors from 67 countries to participate in Interpack 2026

The global processing and packaging industry is gearing up for the next edition of Interpack 2026, which will take place from 7 to 13 May in Dusseldorf, Germany. With preparations now in full swing, organisers have confirmed that around 2,800 exhibitors from 67 countries will participate in what is widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential trade fairs for the processing and packaging sector.

Held every three years, Interpack brings together technology suppliers, material manufacturers, brand owners and industry experts from across the global packaging value chain. The 2026 edition will focus on key themes shaping the industry’s future, including smart manufacturing, innovative materials and future skills.

According to Thomas Dohse, director of Interpack, the upcoming edition arrives at a crucial time for the industry. “Interpack 2026 is more important than ever,” he said. “Especially in a challenging market environment, the industry needs a place for dialogue and orientation. Our task now is to view and compare concrete solutions and make well-founded investment decisions.”

The exhibition will highlight the growing role of automation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence in modern production environments. Under the smart manufacturing theme, exhibitors will demonstrate technologies such as AI-driven quality control, robotics, sensor-based monitoring and data-enabled production systems aimed at improving efficiency and resource utilisation.

Another major focus will be innovative materials, reflecting the packaging sector’s ongoing shift toward sustainability. Exhibitors will showcase developments in recyclable and renewable packaging materials, new barrier solutions and design-for-recycling concepts aimed at reducing environmental impact while maintaining product protection and performance.

The third theme, future skills, will explore how workforce requirements are evolving as manufacturing environments become increasingly digitalised and automated. Discussions and presentations will address topics such as digital competencies, workforce training and new skillsets needed to operate and maintain advanced production systems.

The exhibition will feature a broad cross-section of the global packaging and processing industry. Companies specialising in food, beverages, confectionery, baked goods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and industrial goods will present machinery, process technologies and packaging systems designed to improve productivity and sustainability.

More than 1,000 exhibitors will also display packaging materials and finished packaging products, making the event a major platform for innovations in packaging substrates, closures, containers and functional materials.

Alongside the exhibition, Interpack will host a wide range of knowledge-sharing and networking initiatives. The spotlight forum will bring together experts to discuss emerging industry trends and strategic challenges. The start-up zone will provide a platform for young companies to showcase new technologies and business ideas, while the WorldStar Global Packaging Awards will be presented during the exhibition.

Sustainability will also be highlighted through the Save Foods initiative, which focuses on reducing food loss and waste throughout global supply chains. The programme includes expert talks, project competitions and award presentations designed to promote practical solutions.

To help visitors navigate the exhibition, organisers are offering a range of digital planning tools, including the Fair Match matchmaking platform, MyOrganizer planning system and the Interpack mobile app. These tools allow attendees to schedule meetings, identify relevant exhibitors and plan their visit more efficiently.

With thousands of exhibitors and a comprehensive programme of innovation and dialogue, Interpack 2026 is expected to provide a global snapshot of the technologies, materials and ideas shaping the future of the processing and packaging industry.