Spotlight Forum reprised at Interpack; Michelman to present

The global processing and packaging sector will converge in Dusseldorf as Interpack 2026 takes place from 7–13 May 2026, setting the stage for a week of industry-wide engagement and innovation.
A key highlight of this year’s edition is the return of the Spotlight Forum, structured around the theme ‘7 Days, 7 Topics’. Designed as a platform for dialogue and insight, the forum will host 75 presentations, sessions and panel discussions addressing some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

Each day will focus on a specific theme, covering areas such as regulation, technological innovation, sustainability, and workforce transformation. The programme aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of how the packaging sector is evolving in response to shifting regulatory frameworks, environmental priorities, and the growing need for skilled talent.

Coatings major Michelman will present two sessions on the Interpack 2026 Spotlight Forum stage, highlighting how collaboration across the packaging value chain and advances in bio-based coatings are helping accelerate the development of next-generation sustainable packaging solutions.

The first session, titled Simplifying Adoption of Sustainable Packaging for Brands, will take place on Monday, 11 May 2026. The presentation will be delivered by Janne Varvemaa, director, products and technology, at UPM Specialty Materials, and Lori Gobris, global marketing director, packaging, at Michelman.

Michelman will present a second spotlight forum session titled Achieving SUPD Compliance with Innovative Barrier Solutions scheduled for 12 May 2026. In this session, Michelman’s Iulia Mihai, PhD, senior scientist, and Thierry Van Migem, sales director, EMEA, will share the latest developments in the company’s expanding line of bio-based coatings designed to enable high-performance, recyclable, compostable, and compliant packaging.

Here are the themes lined up for the for the rest of Interpack 

7 May – PPWR
Day one focuses on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), examining recycled content, reuse targets and compliance challenges. Sessions highlight intelligent labelling, automation and traceability, alongside industry–policy dialogue on competitiveness and regulatory impact.

8 May – Resource efficiency
The programme explores optimising operations through benchmarking, organisational redesign and data-led decision-making. Discussions address supply chain disruption, geopolitical pressures and how efficiency-led innovation is reshaping packaging production strategies.

9 May – Smart packaging
Digitalisation takes centre stage with 2D codes, connected packaging lines and data-driven services. Experts discuss digital product passports, brand protection and how smart systems enhance efficiency, compliance and consumer engagement.

10 May – AI and intelligent systems
Automation and AI dominate, focusing on end-to-end digital production, explainable AI in inspection and software-defined factories. Speakers demonstrate how data integration accelerates innovation while meeting regulatory and sustainability demands.

11 May – Circular economy
Sessions examine lifecycle analysis, renewable materials and carbon reduction strategies. Industry leaders discuss translating circularity into practical packaging solutions, aligning PPWR requirements with business models and long-term brand value creation.

12 May – Innovative materials
Attention shifts to material innovation, including fibre-based packaging, mono-material design and advanced adhesives. Presentations explore balancing recyclability, functionality and scalability in next-generation packaging solutions for diverse applications.

13 May – Young talents
The final day addresses skills shortages, highlighting collaboration with academia, evolving job roles and retention strategies. Industry bodies and companies share approaches to attracting, developing and empowering the next generation workforce.