Interpack to take place in May 2026

Every three years, Interpack gathers together the world’s processing and packaging sectors in Dusseldorf for one week. Interpack will return on 7-13 May 2026. Some 2,800 exhibitors plus professional visitors are expected from all around the world.

The planning provides for a focus on Interpack’s eight main visitor target groups: exhibitors offering solutions for the food, beverages, confectionery, baked goods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, non-food and industrial goods sectors can be found in their respective areas, which makes orientation easier. The expansive section at the heart of Interpack – packaging materials and packaging goods – along with machines for labelling and marking, production of packaging material and integrated packaging printing, will be brought together in their halls as well. Apart from this, there are the accompanying suppliers’ trade fair components, with two halls of its own for the first time.

Interpack 2026 is placing its focus specifically on forward-looking topics. These form the thematic framework for dialogue, innovation and inspiration. The Hot Topics in 2026 are smart manufacturing, innovative materials and future skills.

Smart manufacturing is synonymous with more intelligent, sustainable and economical production. The amply filled machinery section at Interpack presents new solutions for this – for instance, in the areas of AI-supported systems, robotics, automation, intelligent controlling, and value from data and resource efficiency.

The Hot Topic innovative materials place the focus on around 1,000 exhibitors in the packaging section. Highly developed plastics, fibre-based materials and intelligent coatings optimise product protection and shelf life. Monomaterials, bio-based solutions and design for recycling promote circular use and reduce the use of materials.

Future skills will centre on the transformation of the working world in the sector. The focus lies on qualification, promoting young talent, digital know-how and the skills that are required for future-proof processes and technologies.

Markus Rustler, president and CEO at Theegarten-Pactec and president of interpack 2026, said, “The sector is being shaped by two central trends: sustainable packaging solutions such as cellulose-based or monomaterials, plus rising automation, also to reduce dependency on qualified personnel in certain fields.”

He added, “Something is becoming evident at the same time: well-trained employees remain crucial. The main thing companies can do to stand out is offer their employees meaningful tasks that allow them to make a genuine impact.”

Numerous specials feature in the programme alongside the trade fair events will including the Spotlight Forum, in which experts discuss the sector’s current trends. The Start-Up Zone brings fresh ideas and new perspectives onto the stage. With Women in Packaging, Interpack places the focus on female qualified professionals and their role in the sector. Interpack TV will highlight innovations and voices that will be broadcast to the world directly from the trade fair premises.