In 2026, interpack returns at full throttle – with dynamism, a passion for innovation and a busy exchange of ideas within the global processing and packaging community. Some 2,800 exhibitors plus professional visitors are expected from all around the world. Düsseldorf’s trade fair premises will again be fully occupied. “Packed halls, high-impact presentations, genuine innovations: anticipation is building for the sector’s no. 1 event. If you’ve missed the registration deadline, I can only encourage you to get in touch with us again,” says Thomas Dohse, director of interpack. ‘Floor planning is still in flux. We are examining each request individually and trying to find the right solutions.’

The planning provides for a focus on interpack’s eight main visitor target groups: exhibitors offering solutions for the food, beverages, confectionery, baked goods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, non-food and industrial goods sectors can be found in their own respective areas, which makes orientation easier. And the expansive section at the heart of interpack – packaging materials and packaging goods – along with machines for labelling and marking, production of packaging material and integrated packaging printing, are brought together in their own halls as well. On top of this, there is the accompanying suppliers’ trade fair ‘components’, with two halls of its own for the first time.

Responses to international challenges

In times of societal and geopolitical upheavals, dialogue within this global community is more vital than ever. Digitalisation, resource prices, supply chains, new regulations, altered consumer behaviour and the call for more sustainability – all of those are having an impact on the sector and changing business models and production processes. At interpack, forward-looking solutions will be presented, impetuses provided, and sustainable, efficient and safe packaging and processes methods will be worked on jointly.

In order to meet these challenges, interpack 2026 is placing its focus specifically on forward-looking topics. These form the thematic framework for dialogue, innovation and inspiration. The Hot Topics in 2026 are: Smart Manufacturing, Innovative Materials and Future Skills.

Smart Manufacturing is synonymous with more intelligent, sustainable and economical producing. The amply filled machinery section at interpack presents new solutions for this – for instance, in the areas AI-supported systems, robotics, automation, intelligent controlling, ‘value from data’ and resource efficiency.

The Hot Topic Innovative Materials places the focus on around 1,000 exhibitors in the packaging section. Highly developed plastics, fibre-based materials and intelligent coatings optimise product protection and shelf life. Monomaterials, bio-based solutions and Design for Recycling promote circular use and reduce use of material.

All this is only made possible by qualified employees. Future Skills centres around the transformation of the working world in the sector. The focus lies on qualification, promoting young talent, digital know-how and the skills that are required for future-proof processes and technologies.

The significance of these topics is underlined by Markus Rustler, President & CEO at Theegarten-Pactec and President of interpack 2026: ‘The sector is being shaped by two central trends: sustainable packaging solutions such as cellulose-based or monomaterials, plus rising automation, also in order to reduce dependency on qualified personnel in certain fields. Something is becoming evident at the same time: well-trained employees remain crucial. The main thing companies can do to stand out is offer their employees meaningful tasks that allow them to make a genuine impact.’

Experience content, take away inspiration

Numerous specials feature in the programme alongside the trade fair events. They include the Spotlight Forum, in which experts discuss the sector’s current trends. The Start-Up Zone brings fresh ideas and new perspectives onto the stage. With Women in Packaging, interpack places the focus on female qualified professionals and their role in the sector. And with interpack TV, highlights, innovations and voices are broadcast to the world directly from the trade fair premises.