Interpack is set to open its doors in Düsseldorf in a month. From 7 to 13 May 2026, the global processing and packaging industry will meet to discuss AI, automation, innovative materials and new skills. Market leaders and newcomers from all areas of the value chain are getting ready. The ticket shop is open.
Preparations for Interpack 2026 are in full swing. Around 2,800 exhibitors from all over the world will be presenting their latest developments in Düsseldorf in May and providing impetus for the future of a globally networked industry.
“Interpack 2026 is more important than ever,” says Interpack director Thomas Dohse. “Especially in a challenging market environment, the industry needs a place for dialogue and orientation. Our task now is to view and compare concrete solutions and make well-founded investment decisions.”
Global dynamics, challenges and opportunities
A look at the big picture reveals that the framework conditions for the industry are complex. Population growth, urbanization and changing consumer behavior are increasing the demand for efficient processing and packaging solutions. At the same time, raw material shortages, regulation, supply chain risks and a shortfall of skilled labor are increasing the pressure on companies.
Against this backdrop, Interpack 2026 will focus on specific themes with its Hot Topics Smart Manufacturing, Innovative Materials and Future Skills. Smart Manufacturing is synonymous with data-based, resource-efficient production – from AI to robotics. Innovative Materials focuses on new packaging materials, functionalities and design-for-recycling concepts. Future Skills examines the changing world of work and the skills required for increasingly digitalized and automated production.
The exhibitors in attendance
Among the approximately 2,800 companies from 67 countries, many market leaders will be showing an impressive presence. Aasted, Sollich, Theegarten-Pactec and Sacmi Packaging & Chocolate, for example, will be the representatives of the confectionery and bakery industry at Interpack in Halls 1, 3 and 4.
The pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries will also find important partners at Interpack: in Halls 15 to 17, IMA Industria Macchine, the Marchesini Group and Optima will be presenting their portfolios.
In the extensive exhibition area for food, beverages, consumer and industrial goods in six halls (11 to 14 as well as 5 and 6), companies such as the Coesia Group, Duravant, Gerhard Schubert, Ishida, KHS, Krones, Multivac, Syntegon Technology and ULMA Packaging will be setting standards in automation, efficiency and sustainability.
Halls 7 to 10 will also be playing a key role for the industry. Over 1,000 exhibitors will be presenting materials and end products for packaging: making Interpack the world’s most important trade fair for packaging materials. Here you will find companies such as BERICAP, Jokey, Metsä, Sappi Europe and Schutz.
Labeling and marking technology in Halls 8a and 8b will be represented by Bluhm Systeme, Domino Printing Sciences and Totani, for example.
Interpack also underscores its international significance with numerous national pavilions. Many exhibitors make a joint appearance under one national flag, pooling their expertise in clearly demarcated areas. Among others, joint stands from India, USA, China, Taiwan, Korea, Turkey, Malaysia and several European countries will be represented.
Experience content, take away inspiration
The trade fair will be accompanied by numerous specials. At the Interpack Spotlight Forum by the North Entrance, experts will discuss current developments and strategic issues in the industry. The Start-up Zone provides a platform for young companies. One special item on the program is the presentation of the WorldStar Global Packaging Awards on the exhibition grounds.
With its accompanying trade fair components, Interpack also focuses on the expertise of the supplier industry. Here, companies present solutions from the fields of drive technology, control systems, sensor technology, robotics, machine parts and industrial software, thereby visualizing the technological basis of modern processing and packaging solutions.
With the Save Food Expert Talks, the Save Food Highlight Route, the Save Food Awards and the Save Food Project Competition, the focus will also be on preventing food waste and losses. Women in Packaging on 11 May will focus on the role of women in the industry. And Interpack TV will report live from the exhibition grounds on innovations, trends and voices from the international community.
Services for visitors
In the exhibitor and product database, visitors can find out about companies, products and innovations ahead of time and plan their visit to the trade fair. With Fair Match, a digital matchmaking tool is available that suggests suitable business contacts based on individual interests and facilitates the making of appointments. The website offers information on preparation, travelling and accommodation. A new feature is a hotel service that summarizes the offers for Interpack and makes comparison easier. Early booking is recommended.
During the trade fair, MyOrganizer and the Interpack app provide support for individual planning and orientation on site.
