Interpack 2026 is once again organising the Women in Packaging event, aimed at women working in the processing and packaging industry at various stages of their careers, from those starting out to experts, managers and founders. The programme is intended to focus on the exchange of experience, dialogue and practical impulses supporting professional development. The event is scheduled for 11 May 2026 at the Congress Center Düsseldorf. The organisers have planned an opening keynote, an international panel discussion and networking sessions structured around selected topics. As Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack, emphasises, the format, which debuted in 2023 as an exceptional initiative within the industry, has now become part of a broader discussion on diversity, future skills and the recruitment of qualified personnel. "Women in Packaging was still an exception when it premiered in 2023, today, dialogue on these topics is an integral part of the industry. This exchange is becoming increasingly important, especially in the context of qualified personnel and future skills. interpack introduces a particular international dimension in this respect, participants from all over the world meet speakers from Europe, the USA, South America and Australia, combining different perspectives."
Programme and event objectives
The organisers indicate that the aim of Women in Packaging is to strengthen the visibility of women in the industry and create a space for discussion about career paths, changes in the sector and new competency requirements. The programme is intended to combine substantive content with the opportunity for direct interaction between participants and representatives of industry, trade organisations and academia. The focus will be on both individual professional experience and broader issues related to the transformation of the packaging industry.
The opening keynote will be delivered by Caroline Babendererde, Head of Sustainability Mid Europe at Tetra Pak. According to the organisers, she has around 30 years of experience in environmental and sustainability management, including more than 20 years in the packaging sector. She is also involved in teaching as a guest lecturer in sustainable packaging and interdisciplinary sustainability topics. In her speech, she is expected to address the links between sustainability, attracting young talent and the visibility of career paths. "Packaging is a crucial component of food safety. We need to demonstrate much more clearly that it protects products, ensures quality and prevents food losses. In doing so, we will be making a direct contribution to security of supply and climate protection. We want to actively strengthen this awareness among young people, career starters and, of course, not only among women, because those who recognise our industry's responsibility and innovative strength also see its strong future opportunities."
Caroline Babendererde also referred to the issue of diversity. "When it comes to diversity, I hope that equity and diversity will soon be a matter of course. We are making progress, but we still have work to do, especially in the apprenticeship and education sector."
Panel discussion with representatives of industry and organisations
One of the main programme items will be a panel devoted to career development, change in the industry and its future. Representatives of industry, international organisations and academia have been invited to present different views on the development of the processing and packaging sector.
The panel will feature Jill Evanko, CEO of Duravant, Dr Kerstin van Wijk, Global Head of Innovation Packaging Adhesives at Henkel, Luciana Pellegrino, President of the World Packaging Organisation, and Prof. Dr Julia Hartmann from EBS University. According to the organisers, the discussion is to cover experience related to international career paths, transformation management, implementation of technological innovation and the strategic anchoring of sustainable transformation in companies.
The panel will be moderated by Nerida Kelton, Vice President Sustainability&Save Food at the World Packaging Organisation and Executive Director at AIP. As she notes, the first edition of the event at interpack 2023 showed that this type of format is expected by the international industry. "The first Women in Packaging event at interpack 2023 showed us that events like this are desired by the global industry. What makes it so special are the open discussions, the networking, the opportunity to be inspired by women who have already travelled this path, and the occasion for participants to ask questions, discuss challenges and learn from one another. For me, it's about meeting new people, hearing their stories and strengthening my own global network of inspiring women in the packaging industry that I can draw on in the future."
Topic Hubs as a new element of the format
A new feature in the Women in Packaging programme will be the Topic Hubs, topic-driven networking rounds dedicated to areas such as career pathways and mentorship, community building and peer networks, personal branding and visibility, balancing work and life, as well as future generations and skills. The discussions are to be supported by Topic Ambassadors responsible for structuring and deepening the dialogue.
In this role will be Shannon Doherty-Andall from the Australian Beverages Council, Dr Afsaneh Nabifar from BASF, Dr Kathrin Gimpel, CHRO at Teekanne, Monica Battistella, Sustainability Manager at Taghleef Industries, and Kaie Kaas-Ojavere, CEO and co-founder of the start-up KIUD. The organisers stress that the Topic Hubs are intended to create a practical framework for sharing experience, discussing challenges and establishing new professional contacts.
The event will take place on Monday, 11 May 2026 at 10:30 am at the Congress Center Düsseldorf, on the second floor, in rooms 26, 27 and 28. The programme will be hosted by journalist and presenter Emily Whigham. Registration has already opened and the number of places is limited.
