The organisers of interpack announce that on 13 May 2026 the trade fair will focus on young people entering the packaging industry. The Young Talents Day is intended for pupils, students and young professionals seeking information about career paths in processing and packaging. For this target group, participation in the Young Talents Day is to be free of charge.
The statement indicates that the packaging industry offers diverse career opportunities, including engineering, production, food technology, management and electrical engineering. In response to these needs, the format is to provide a platform for direct contact with companies and insights into different education and professional development models. At the same time, the programme refers to one of interpack’s main themes, future skills, including interdisciplinary competences ranging from technical understanding and digital skills to sustainable thinking.
As reported, on 13 May participants are to have access to several formats: the Young Talents Tour, the “Next Generation” session within the SPOTLIGHT Forum, the Career Tour and the VDMA Technology Lounge. The aim of these activities is to provide practical information, support orientation for entering the industry and create opportunities for direct networking.
Practical exchange and information on entry pathways
The programme is to centre on practical exchange. Participants will be able to meet HR representatives and experts from various areas and obtain information on degree programmes, apprenticeships, dual models, internships and trainee programmes. The organisers emphasise that possible entry routes are broad, with starting points including packaging technology or, for example, machine and plant management.
The programme is also set to address the skills companies will particularly value in the future and how job profiles are changing due to digitalisation and sustainability.
Young Talents Tour and visits to exhibitors
One of the key elements is to be the Young Talents Tour. According to the announcement, young industry representatives Melissa, Konstantin, Elias, Luca, Marvin and Tanaro, who are themselves starting out in the packaging sector, will share their experiences and present possible career development scenarios. The tour is to include companies such as Koch Pac-Systeme, Fawema, Loeschpack, Theegarten-Pactec and Gerhard Schubert, and is to cover current technologies, processes and job roles along the value chain. The organisers state that the focus will be on dialogue and networking.
Career Tour for pupils interested in vocational training
The Career Tour is to be aimed at school pupils interested in starting an apprenticeship. The format is intended to match participants with companies offering apprenticeships and give them the opportunity to explore entry options directly on site. As a result, participants are expected to gain a quick overview of potential employers and career prospects.
SPOTLIGHT Forum: NextGen Plastics and Science Slam
The programme is to be complemented by the SPOTLIGHT Forum, dedicated to current industry topics featured at the trade fair. In the morning programme on 13 May, the session “NextGen Plastics powered by IK” is planned to focus on young talent in the industry. On the same day, a Science Slam is also scheduled, in which young researchers are to present projects related to the world of packaging in a clear and interactive format.
VDMA Technology Lounge and circular economy elements
The statement announces that the VDMA Technology Lounge in Hall 4 is to demonstrate the practical combination of technology and sustainability, with a particular focus on young participants. Within the CirQmind project, participants are to explore the circular economy and future technologies, from waste sorting and recycling processes to the manufacture of new products.
Interactive applications, workshops and artificial intelligence demonstrators are also indicated as tools enabling active participation and a better understanding of technological interrelationships. According to the organisers, this is to support identifying skills that will be needed in the future and show how they can be developed during education and studies.
Participation and registration
To take part, participants must register in advance as a “Young Talent” and present a school or student ID, which is to provide a free ticket for the Young Talents Day. Participation in the Young Talents Tour and the Career Tour is also to be free of charge, but a binding registration is required due to limited places.
