Interpack begins in Dusseldorf

The 'Olympics of the packaging'—Interpack—is set to kick off at Messe Dusseldorf today. The trade fair focuses on poignant topics like volatile global markets, fragile supply chains, and rising costs amid ongoing geopolitical tensions this year.

Thomas Dohse, director of Interpack, says he hopes for the event to provide a necessary space for exchange and orientation within a challenging market environment. He says the platform is designed to allow companies to compare concrete solutions and establish a solid basis for investment decisions.

This edition prioritises three "hot topics": smart manufacturing, innovative materials, and future skills. Smart manufacturing showcases data-driven, and resource-efficient production solutions like artificial intelligence and robotics. Innovative materials highlights new packaging functionalities and design-for-recycling concepts, while the future skills segment addresses the competencies required for an automated production landscape.

The exhibition grounds host numerous country pavilions, with pooled national expertise represented by joint stands from India, the USA, China, Malaysia, and several European nations. Parallel to the main fair, the "components" exhibition spotlights technical foundations such as drive technology, control systems, and industrial software.

Special formats during the event will include the WorldStar Global Packaging Awards and the "Women in Packaging" programme on 11 May. The fair will also address food loss reduction through the Save Food expert talks and awards. For the first time since the 2023 edition, the industry will utilise digital matchmaking tools and a dedicated app to facilitate on-site orientation and business networking at the fair.