interpack 2026 will return to Düsseldorf from 7 to 13 May, bringing together around 2,800 exhibitors from more than 60 countries. The upcoming edition is positioned around core transformation themes for the processing and packaging value chain, including artificial intelligence, automation, new regulations, future skills and innovative materials. According to interpack director Thomas Dohse, "interpack 2026 is more important than ever" and the industry should act collectively in the face of change. The event aims to provide a platform for insight, technology discovery and business dialogue across all market segments.
Structural drivers continue to support demand for processing and packaging solutions. Population growth, rapid urbanisation, rising incomes and shifting consumer behaviour are sustaining the sector’s growth trajectory. At the same time, companies face a complex environment. Raw materials are limited and expensive, regulatory frameworks are becoming more demanding and administratively burdensome, supply chains remain uncertain, skilled labour is scarce and innovation cycles are accelerating, with geopolitical risks adding further uncertainty.
Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association within the VDMA, underlined the role of the trade fair as a catalyst for practical solutions. "In such a dynamic market situation, a global summit like interpack is a central source of impetus and therefore of particular value. Here, solutions are presented that contribute to conserving resources, making processes more efficient, and securing long-term competitiveness along the entire value chain. Those who want to actively shape change need innovative technologies and a smart strategic orientation because only in this way can ecological and economic challenges be successfully overcome."
Market indicators are positive in core end-use sectors. Global sales of packaged food reached 872 million tonnes in 2024 and are forecast to rise by 11.1 percent to 968 million tonnes by 2029. The pharmaceutical market is also expanding, with production value projected to increase from €1.9 trillion in 2024 to €2.4 trillion by 2029.
Exhibitor lineup and hall plan
Exhibitors highlight the value of in-person engagement at interpack. In confectionery and bakery, companies including Aasted, Sollich, Theegarten-Pactec and Sacmi Packaging & Chocolate will present solutions across Halls 1, 3 and 4. The pharmaceutical and cosmetics segments will find partners in Halls 15 to 17, where IMA Industria Macchine, the Marchesini Group and Optima will showcase their portfolios.
A broad offering for food, beverages, consumer goods and industrial products will span six halls, specifically Halls 11 to 14 as well as 5 and 6. Exhibitors include Coesia Group, Duravant, Gerhard Schubert, Ishida, KHS, Krones, Multivac, Syntegon Technology and Ulma Packaging, with a focus on automation, efficiency and sustainability.
Materials and finished packaging products will be presented by around 1,000 exhibitors in Halls 7, 7a, 8a, 9 and 10. This cross-industry segment, covering packaging materials, packaging means and packaging auxiliaries, constitutes the world's largest trade fair for packaging materials. Companies such as Bericap, Jokey, Metsä, Sappi Europe and Schütz will participate. Labelling and marking technology will be featured in Halls 8a and 8b, with Bluhm Systeme, Domino Printing Sciences and Totani among the exhibitors.
Visitor services and digital channels
The interpack exhibitor and product database is live, enabling visitors to research companies, review products and innovations and plan their agendas in advance. All main exhibitors are already listed and co-exhibitors are being added on an ongoing basis. The ticket shop has been open since 1 October. The website provides guidance on trade fair preparation, travel and accommodation, with a hotel service offering a clear overview of options for interpack.
On site, visitors can use MyOrganizer and the interpack app to plan and navigate efficiently. interpack also engages the community year-round through digital channels, including the interpack magazine with news, interviews and reports, a monthly email newsletter with the latest content and the concise LinkedIn newsletter "Let's Talk Processing & Packaging", which shares current industry insights alongside content from interpack and the interpack alliance.
