Shanghai World of Packaging (swop) is entering a new phase under the name interpack China. After a decade as part of the interpack alliance, the trade fair is now explicitly integrating this affiliation into its brand. Messe Düsseldorf positions the renaming as a strategic step to strengthen its international trade fair portfolio and to underline the significance of China as a key market for the global packaging industry.
The new brand identity was presented at the opening ceremony of this year’s edition of the show. With the transition to interpack China, the organisers aim to increase the international visibility of the event and to build directly on the reputation and network associated with interpack worldwide. The focus lies on expanding cooperation with international and Chinese companies and on providing a platform that reflects current developments in processing and packaging.
According to the organisers, the renaming is also a signal to partners and exhibitors regarding long-term commitment to the Chinese market. The move is described not only as a cosmetic change but as a reinforcement of strategic alignment within the interpack alliance and as an extension of the global brand into one of the most dynamic packaging markets.
Role within the interpack alliance
With the new name, interpack China explicitly highlights its integration into the interpack alliance. Messe Düsseldorf emphasises that the alliance is intended to stand for continuity and reliability across its events. The association with the global brand is expected to support the Shanghai trade fair in further strengthening its position as an international meeting point for the packaging sector.
Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack and interpack alliance, points out that the brand is intended to signal quality and long-term partnerships across continents. He notes that the reference to interpack in the name of the Shanghai event increases recognition and connects the Chinese platform more closely with the Düsseldorf flagship fair. In his view, this linkage is designed to make it easier for companies to navigate the organiser’s international portfolio and to use synergies between the events.
The organisers indicate that, as interpack China, the exhibition aims to connect international and Chinese participants more directly. The expectation is that this will facilitate market access and support exhibitors and visitors who want to position themselves in a rapidly growing environment for processing and packaging technologies.
Joint organisation and future dates
The new name also reflects the ongoing cooperation between Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd. Both companies will continue as joint organisers of the event in Shanghai. In the current cycle, interpack China is scheduled to be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) from 25 to 27 November 2025.
Looking ahead, the organisers have already announced the timing for the next edition under the new brand. The first interpack China in its fully repositioned form is planned to take place from 16 to 18 November 2026. This timeline is intended to provide the industry with planning certainty and to anchor the event firmly in the international trade fair calendar.
Focus on global integration and innovation
With the renaming, Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai underlines its intention to align the Shanghai show even more closely with global industry developments. The organisers frame interpack China as a platform that should bring international perspectives into the Chinese market and support the transfer of know-how between regions.
In statements accompanying the rebranding, particular emphasis is placed on cooperation with partners from different parts of the world. The trade fair intends to address themes such as intelligent production and innovative packaging materials, reflecting current priorities in the processing and packaging sectors. Another declared objective is to support skills development and to contribute to building up talent for the future of the packaging industry.
China’s weight in the global packaging industry
The strategic reorientation of the trade fair is framed by the organisers in the context of China’s strong position in the global processing and packaging market. The country is described as having extensive industrial manufacturing capacity and, as a result, a broad and integrated packaging industry. This industrial base generates high demand for packaging materials and machinery, ranging from cardboard packaging and films through to complex filling and labelling solutions.
In parallel with its role as a production location, China is evolving into one of the largest consumer markets worldwide. According to the organisers, the expansion of the middle class and the continuing growth of e-commerce are key drivers of demand for safe, sustainable and intelligent packaging and logistics solutions. This dual role as production centre and consumer market is presented as an important factor in the decision to further develop the Shanghai event within the interpack alliance.
Against this backdrop, interpack China is positioned as a starting point for a new chapter in the international packaging industry. Its integration into the interpack family is intended to underline the growing importance of the event and to contribute to the further development of Shanghai as a location for the packaging and processing sectors.
