Interpack 2026 is fully booked, the hot topics have been defined
Interpack is set to return to Messe Düsseldorf in 2026, bringing together the global processing and packaging community. The event is expected to feature approximately 2,800 exhibitors and attract professional visitors from around the world. Although the trade show is fully booked, Director Thomas Dohse emphasises that floor planning is still ongoing, and each request is being reviewed individually to find possible solutions for interested exhibitors.
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.
In order to meet current 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.
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.