VDMA announces extensive showcase for Interpack

Located in the technology lounge in hall 4, booth C54, the VDMA will address three key themes at Interpack 2026: smart amnufacturing, innovative materials, and future skills. The exhibit will function as a central hub for companies to navigate the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which introduces new packaging obligations from 12 August 2026. A dedicated VDMA PPWR infopoint will provide guidance on these requirements for both B2B and B2C sectors.

Working with Fraunhofer ivv, the association will highlight several advancements in material science. For fiber-based packaging, the Papure technology enables paper joining without adhesives using laser pretreatment and heat-contact sealing. To enhance functionality, the Transmet process applies ultra-thin inorganic barrier layers to paper. For recyclate processing, the Motiv pilot facility will demonstrate how manufacturers can test prototypes for new recyclate materials from batch size one.

The VDMA will also showcase digital tools designed to mitigate skills shortages. This includes Imagesam, an automated visual quality monitoring system, and Smartid, a tamper-proof product passport that combines surface fingerprinting with a QR code to prevent counterfeiting. Resource efficiency will be addressed through the Vera data collection system, which tracks energy consumption for every process step to provide data for CSRD sustainability reporting.

The Cirqmind project will offer an interactive learning trail, demonstrating the recycling process from plastic lids to injection-molded products using AI demonstrators.

The association will also host a Press Lunch on 7 May, at 13:00 in the technology lounge. Christian Traumann, chairman of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, and managing director Richard Clemens will discuss the industry's economic situation and the role of mechanical engineering in achieving a sustainable packaging supply chain.