Interpack will return in 2026 with full force. Visitors can look forward to a fully booked exhibition center from May 7 to 13, 2026. Around 2,800 exhibitors and trade visitors from all over the world are expected. "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."
“components” supplier fair will have two dedicated halls for the first time
Interpack planning focuses on the eight main visitor target groups. Exhibitors with solutions for the food, beverages, confectionery, bakery, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, non-food and industrial goods industries will be located in their own areas, making it easier for visitors to find their way around. And the extensive area of packaging materials and supplies at the heart of interpack, as well as labeling and marking technology, packaging production and integrated packaging printing machines, are also brought together in their own halls. In addition, the accompanying supplier fair “components” will occupy two halls of its own for the first time.
Interpack provides answers to international challenges
In times of social and geopolitical upheaval, the exchange within this global community is more important than ever. Digitalization, raw material prices, supply chains, new regulations, changing consumer behavior and the call for more sustainability: all of this affects the industry and changes business models and production processes. At Interpack, future-oriented solutions are presented, impulses are set and sustainable, efficient and safe packaging and processing methods are developed together.
Hot Topics 2026: Smart Manufacturing, Innovative Materials and Future Skills
To meet these challenges, Interpack 2026 is focusing on future-oriented topics. These topics provide the framework for exchange, innovation and inspiration and reflect the most pressing challenges and innovation drivers in the industry.
- Smart manufacturing stands for smarter, more sustainable and more economical production. The strong machinery segment at interpack presents new solutions in this area, for example in the fields of AI-supported systems, robotics, automation, intelligent control, “value from data” and resource efficiency.
- The Hot Topic Innovative Materials spotlights around 1,000 exhibitors in the packaging materials sector. Advanced plastics, fiber-based materials and intelligent coatings improve product protection and durability. Monomaterials, bio-based solutions and design for recycling promote circularity and reduce material use.
- All this is only possible thanks to qualified employees. Future Skills addresses the transformation of the industry's working world. The focus is on qualifications, the promotion of young talent, digital know-how and the skills needed for future-proof processes and technologies.
Markus Rustler, President & CEO at Theegarten-Pactec and President of Interpack 2026, underlines the importance of these topics: "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."
Interpack's supporting program is designed to provide fresh inspiration
The trade fair will be accompanied by numerous special events. These include the Spotlight Forum, where experts will discuss current industry trends. The Start-up Zone brings fresh ideas and new perspectives to the stage. With “Women in Packaging”, Interpack is shining a spotlight on female specialists and their role in the industry.
