Interpack first-timer Yash Shah discovered new opportunities in packaging quality control

For Yash Shah, director, international sales, Innovative Automation Products, his first visit to Interpack 2026 was both eye-opening and energising. Having previously attended industrial exhibitions in the United States and South Korea, he arrived in Dusseldorf with high expectations. By the third day, he was convinced that the future of paper and aseptic packaging would be shaped by increasingly sophisticated automation, precision engineering and international collaboration.

Walking through the exhibition halls, Shah was struck by the sheer diversity of technologies on display. Compact machines with advanced functionalities stood alongside towering industrial systems built for pharmaceutical and aseptic applications. What impressed him most was not simply the scale of the machinery, but the engineering precision behind it.

He observed that in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and aseptic packaging, even the smallest contamination can have significant consequences. The level of sterility, process control and exactness required was unlike that seen in many conventional manufacturing environments. The equipment demonstrated how automation and precision measurement are becoming indispensable to maintaining product integrity and operational efficiency.

As the head of a company specialising in quality control and inspection systems, Shah was particularly interested in how these technologies could complement his own business. Innovative Automation Products develops systems that measure dimensions and coordinates of mechanical components used across automotive, aerospace and biomedical industries. The company has recently expanded into the paper and aseptic packaging sector, where its inspection systems analyse printed strips, decode registration codes and measure critical parameters in microns.

These systems provide real-time feedback to machine operators, helping them adjust rollers and machine settings before defects occur. By detecting deviations early, manufacturers can reduce waste, save costs and improve production consistency.

Shah spent much of his time in the Components Halls, especially Halls 18A and 18B, where he met suppliers of sensors, precision parts and other critical technologies. For him, these halls were among the most valuable sections of the exhibition because they brought together smaller but highly specialised companies that play essential roles in the packaging value chain.

He also found Halls 9, 11 and 12 particularly relevant, although he noted that nearly every hall offered insights or potential business opportunities. In many cases, he was able to exchange contact information directly with company executives and identify technologies that could strengthen his product offerings.

One of Shah’s most significant takeaways was the apparent demand for the specialised solutions his company provides. Despite exploring the exhibition extensively, he did not encounter another company offering exactly the same quality control systems.

That observation reinforced his confidence that Innovative Automation Products occupies a distinctive niche in the market, particularly as packaging manufacturers seek better tools for process monitoring and defect prevention.

Beyond the technical discoveries, Shah was inspired by the growing presence of Indian companies at Interpack. Seeing businesses from India exhibiting alongside established global players was a source of pride and optimism.

He believes India is making meaningful progress in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and helping them compete internationally with world-class products and engineering capabilities.

Equally memorable was the atmosphere of collaboration throughout the show. Shah noticed a strong willingness among exhibitors and visitors to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and explore partnerships. He was also impressed by the event’s organisation, which he described as efficient, focused and remarkably free of chaos despite the scale of the exhibition.

For Shah, Interpack 2026 was more than a trade fair visit. It was a clear demonstration of how technology, precision and global cooperation are shaping the future of packaging—and how Indian innovation is increasingly becoming part of that story.