What to expect at interpack 2026

With only one month to go until interpack 2026, we take stock of what to expect from this year’s programme – and from Packaging Europe, reporting live on the ground.

interpack 2026 aspires to represent the entire packaging supply chain. Approximately 2,800 companies from 67 countries are expected to attend, with the event shining a spotlight on the food, confectionery, bakery, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, non-food, and industrial goods sectors.

This year, interpack’s ‘hot topics’ will include smart manufacturing. The event will explore the potential of automation, smart manufacturing, and artificial intelligence as solutions to optimization and sustainability, alongside their challenges.

Another key topic is innovative materials, which includes design-for-recycling, alternative raw materials like fibre-based and biobased solutions, multi-layer recyclables, and a functional circular economy.

The third topic is future skills. This will consider the promotion of young talent, the use of technology to bring packaging teams into the future, and other approaches to ensure the packaging industry’s ongoing success.

Each day of the programme will focus on a different theme:

• 7^th May 2026 – Chances & Risks of PPWR: Between efficiency and responsibility
  
  
• 8^th May 2026 – Resource Efficiency: Saving raw materials and energy
  
  
• 9^th May 2026 – Smart Packaging: Future-proof solutions
  
  
• 10^th May 2026 – Intelligent Systems & AI: Increasing potential of automation
  
  
• 11^th May 2026 – Circular Economy: From linear to loop
  
  
• 12^th May 2026 – Innovative Materials: Made for sustainability & function
  
  
• 13^th May 2026 – Young Talents: Attracting the next generation

In line with these themes, the Spotlight Forum will feature panel discussions, specialist presentations, and practical demonstrations from industry representatives, technology providers, and innovators.

Other special features at interpack 2026 will include the Start-Up Zone, in which smaller companies will present their innovations; expert talks, awards ceremonies, and networking opportunities hosted by the Save Food Initiative; and the 2026 WorldStar Packaging Awards ceremony, taking place on 8^th May.

Packaging Europe will attend all seven days of the event to speak to visitors on the show floor and publish live coverage.

If you are showcasing an innovation, send your news to editor@packagingeurope.com for a chance to be featured.

We will also be sharing exclusive visual content on our LinkedIn channel – watch this space!

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