In May 2026, Düsseldorf will once again become the hub for the international packaging and processing industry. Interpack is regarded as the premier platform for technologies related to processing and packaging. From May 7 to 13, 2026, companies from around the world will present new solutions for production, packaging, and industrial infrastructure. Approximately 2,800 exhibitors are currently preparing their trade show presentations. The event brings together market leaders, specialist suppliers, and young technology companies. Visitors will thus gain a comprehensive overview of current developments, ranging from automation and artificial intelligence to sustainable materials and new qualification requirements in the 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.”
Interpack addresses key industry challenges
The economic conditions for the processing and packaging industry are currently complex. Population growth, increasing urbanization, and changing consumer habits are driving up demand for efficient production and packaging technologies. At the same time, companies face additional challenges. Raw material shortages, new regulatory requirements, risks in global supply chains, and a shortage of skilled workers are increasing the pressure on many manufacturers. Against this backdrop, Interpack 2026 is setting thematic priorities. The so-called “hot topics” include Smart Manufacturing, Innovative Materials, and Future Skills.
The Smart Manufacturing focus encompasses data-driven and resource-efficient production processes, ranging from artificial intelligence to robotic solutions. Innovative Materials concentrates on new packaging materials, additional functions, and concepts for design for recycling. Future Skills, on the other hand, addresses the transformation of the workplace and new skill requirements in a digitalized production environment.
Market leaders from across the entire value chain represented
Among the approximately 2,800 companies from 67 countries are numerous leading international suppliers. For the confectionery and bakery industry, for example, companies such as Aasted, Sollich, Gerhard Schubert, and Sacmi Packaging & Chocolate will present their solutions in Halls 1, 3, and 4. Suppliers of pharmaceutical and cosmetic packaging are also represented. In Halls 15 through 17, Ima Industria Macchine, Syntegon, and Optima, among others, will showcase their technologies. A large exhibition area is dedicated to solutions for food, beverages, and consumer and industrial goods. In Halls 5, 6, and 11 through 14, companies such as ABB Automation (B&R), Beckhoff, Coesia Group, Duravant, KHS, Krones, Multivac, SEW Eurodrive, and Ulma Packaging will present their systems for automation, efficiency, and sustainable production.
Interpack as the premier trade fair for packaging materials
Halls 7 through 10 play a special role. There, more than 1,000 companies will showcase materials and finished products for packaging. This makes Interpack one of the world’s most important platforms for packaging materials. Among the companies represented are Bericap, Jokey, Metsä, Sappi Europe, and Schütz. In the labeling and marking section in Halls 8a and 8b, suppliers such as Bluhm Systeme, Domino Printing Sciences, and Totani will present their technologies.
International Participation with Numerous Country Pavilions
The global significance of the trade fair is also evident in the large number of international joint booths. Several countries are presenting their companies collectively in national pavilions. Among others, joint booths from India, China, Taiwan, Korea, Turkey, and Malaysia, as well as from various European countries, are represented.
Specialized programs and special formats complement Interpack’s offerings
In addition to the exhibition, Interpack offers an extensive supporting program. At the Interpack Spotlight Forum, industry experts discuss current developments and strategic issues in the processing and packaging industry. Young companies are given their own platform in the Start-up Zone. Another highlight is the presentation of the Worldstar Global Packaging Awards directly on the exhibition grounds. In addition, the Components trade fair, taking place concurrently, focuses on the supplier industry. There, companies showcase solutions in the fields of drive technology, control systems, sensor technology, robotics, machine components, and industrial software.
Digital services support trade fair planning
Even in the run-up to the event, visitors can access information on companies and technologies via Interpack’s exhibitor and product database and prepare for their visit. The Fairmatch matchmaking tool helps identify suitable business partners and schedule appointments. In addition, the trade show provides extensive information on travel, accommodation, and visit planning. A new feature is a hotel service that clearly bundles available accommodations in the Interpack area. Due to high demand, the trade show recommends booking early.
