Materials, raw materials and packaging aids will be one of the key areas at interpack 2026. Across seven halls and several floors, more than 1,000 exhibitors from around the world will present a broad spectrum of packaging solutions, packaging materials and packaging aids, including numerous premieres by first-time exhibitors. In total, the organisers expect around 2,800 exhibitors. One of the main hot topics of the event will be “Innovative Materials”, focusing on new material technologies for packaging, including advanced plastics, fibre-based materials and smart coatings that improve shelf life, product protection and recyclability. Within this thematic track, the trade fair also aims to consolidate the development directions observed on international markets and to address growing regulatory requirements and expectations regarding sustainability.
The role of materials in the interpack 2026 strategy
The organisers emphasise that the diversity of materials and their applications at interpack is unique on a global scale. According to Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack, the strong emphasis on the packaging materials area through the “Innovative Materials” hot topic is of strategic importance this year, with the aim of gathering and structuring trends and solutions being developed in different markets. The trade fair will be a platform for presenting proven technologies in new applications alongside the latest innovations relating to functionality, resource efficiency and recyclability of packaging. This applies to plastics as well as to paper, metal, glass and alternative, including bio-based, materials.
At the same time, the organisers point to increasing regulatory pressure and expectations related to closing material loops in a circular economy. New requirements for sustainability, recyclability and additional functional properties of packaging directly influence material development pathways. As a result, interpack 2026 will place a strong focus on material concepts and design approaches that combine product protection with reduced raw material consumption and the possibility of reprocessing packaging.
Plastics and flexible packaging
On a global scale, packaging made from plastics, both flexible and rigid, represents the largest segment of consumer goods packaging, with a combined market share of about 65 percent (2024, VDMA/Euromonitor). This picture is reflected in the portfolios of interpack 2026 exhibitors, where numerous companies will present plastic-based solutions ranging from containers to flexible laminates, including bio-based films, with a clear focus on sustainability.
In Hall 9, exhibitors will include Sonoco, Taghleef Industries, groku Kunststoffe, Jokey, Aries Packaging and Nurel, among others. In Hall 10, companies such as Schütz, Greif Packaging, Werit Kunststoffwerke, Armando Alvarez Group, Irplast, Hipac and SIT Group will show their solutions. The caps and closures segment will be represented by companies including United Caps and Bericap.
Taghleef Industries, exhibiting in Hall 9, will present a wide range of films for flexible packaging and labels. According to Ambra Stocco, European Marcom Manager & Label Lead at Taghleef Industries, the portfolio comprises bio-based films and recycled-content solutions for flexible packaging and labels. A particular focus is placed on monomaterial PP films and material-reduced variants, which are intended to support recyclability and reduce raw material consumption.
Schütz is among the exhibitors with a particularly extensive presence in the packaging sector and will be represented in Hall 10. The company will showcase plastic solutions for industrial and logistics applications. As announced by Veit Enders, Member of the Board at Schütz, the company’s presence at interpack 2026 will focus on smart packaging concepts that combine economic efficiency with ecological aspects. According to him, through product and service innovations Schütz aims to provide customers worldwide with solutions that enhance the safety of logistics processes and at the same time increase resource efficiency.
Packaging aids, in particular adhesives and adhesive tapes, will also be widely showcased in Halls 7 and 10. Suppliers such as Henkel, Jowat, Selig Group, H.B. Fuller, Tesa and Sicad will present solutions for a wide range of applications and material combinations, covering both consumer and industrial packaging.
Paper packaging, board and packaging printing
Packaging based on paper and board accounts globally for around 16 percent of the consumer goods packaging market, and forecasts indicate that this segment will grow by a further 8 percent by 2029. At interpack 2026, the area for paper, board, corrugated board and packaging printing will be concentrated in Hall 8a. Exhibitors there will include Metsä Board, Stora Enso, Sappi, Koehler, Starkraft and Printcity.
Labelling and coating solutions will also be presented in the same hall by companies such as CCL Label, Actega, Michelman and Stahl Packaging. Their portfolios will include label systems and functional coatings for paper and board packaging, including solutions supporting product protection, visual appearance and recyclability.
Metal and glass packaging
Metal packaging, in particular cans and can seaming systems, will be presented in Hall 7a. Exhibitors will include Soudronic, Lanico, IPA (International Packaging Association), Emballator, Umar Makina and SPL Industries. According to industry figures, metal packaging currently holds a market share of around 12 percent, with forecast growth of around 13 percent in the coming years.
Ruedi Umbricht, COO of Soudronic AG, points to rising demand for complete canning lines, especially in the pet food segment. He identifies sustainability requirements and the CO2 footprint of packaging, as well as strategic decisions to extend the value chain, as key growth drivers. In his view, the steel can offers distinct advantages in terms of sustainability and CO2 balance. As a manufacturer of turnkey can production lines, Soudronic intends to present at interpack a broad range of options for producing metal packaging.
Glass remains a classic material in the packaging sector and will also be represented at interpack 2026. In Hall 10, the Federal Association of the German Glass Industry (BV Glas) will act as a central point of contact for visitors interested in glass packaging and will provide information on current trends and developments in this segment. In 2024, glass accounted for around 8 percent of retail sales of consumer goods packaging, and a further increase of around 6 percent is forecast by 2029.
Alternative and bio-based materials
Alternative materials and new material solutions will form an important extension of the offering. In particular, Hall 9 will feature innovations in bio-based plastics at the stands of companies such as Jonatura, Plantera, Innovia Films, Natureworks and Pacovis. Fibre-based materials will be highlighted in Hall 8a. In this context, Metsä Board and Stora Enso are among the stands to which the organisers draw particular attention.
Solutions based on renewable raw materials and fibres are intended to address expectations concerning reduced use of fossil resources and an increased share of materials that are readily recyclable or compostable, depending on the application and the applicable regulatory framework.
“Innovative Materials” as the main hot topic for 2026
The “Innovative Materials” hot topic once again draws the industry’s attention to materials as a key element of the packaging system. The organisers underline that materials have always played a central role in the packaging industry, and their importance is now increasing further. This is due, on the one hand, to new regulatory requirements and growing expectations regarding sustainability and recyclability and, on the other hand, to the need to meet additional protective, logistical and communication functions.
Within “Innovative Materials”, particular emphasis will be placed on materials, material concepts and design approaches that combine functionality, efficient use of resources and the possibility of material recovery. This includes solutions that enable easier recycling by simplifying material structures, reducing packaging weight and adapting to the requirements of collection and treatment systems for packaging waste.
Commenting on the challenges facing the sector, Veit Enders from Schütz states that one of the key tasks for companies in many industries is to use resources efficiently and consistently close material flows worldwide. In his view, modern technologies are a tool to implement circular economy principles, and interpack is the company’s most important platform for direct exchange with partners on these solutions.
Spotlight Forum and information for visitors
Visitors with a particular interest in material solutions will find an additional focal point in the programme. On Tuesday 12 May, “Innovative Materials” will take centre stage at the interpack Spotlight Forum. The detailed programme will be announced at a later date, enabling participants to plan their attendance at presentations and discussions.
