Interpack 2026 is not just an industrial gathering

Invited to the Interpack 2026 press conference, organized this time at the facilities of JBT Marel, I was able to take the pulse of a trade show that, edition after edition, is establishing itself as a global benchmark for packaging and process technologies. So let’s take a moment to look at the event that will take place very soon and that should interest you if you are curious about sustainability, technologies, and other opportunities that also have an impact on Retail.

A trade show on the scale of… the Louvre (or almost)

Thomas Dohse (Director Interpack) opened the conference with a simple question: “Could you imagine a world without packaging?” Difficult indeed, when talking about food, healthcare, or logistics.
A few figures immediately set the tone:

Approximately 2,800 exhibitors from 60 countries
Visitors from more than 150 countries
A surface area close to 300,000 m², comparable to a complex like the Louvre and the Jardin des Tuileries combined
Nearly 3,000 trucks expected for setup

Organized every three years at Messe Düsseldorf, Interpack is also a key moment for industrial players: it is the trade show where innovations are unveiled, often saved for this milestone.

An industry under pressure… but full of opportunities

The data shared (notably via the VDMA) confirms several strong dynamics in the packaging sector:

Growing global demand, particularly in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa
Similar growth in the pharmaceutical sector
Current dominance of plastic materials (flexible and rigid) representing around 60% of uses, followed by paper-cardboard (16%), then metal and glass
Increasing competition between supplier countries, with Germany and Italy leading, but with China rapidly progressing

But these opportunities come with major challenges:

Regulatory pressure (notably around the PPWR)
Resource scarcity (consuming intelligently also means managing resources sustainably)
Talent shortages (difficulty in finding qualified staff)
And of course, an uncertain geopolitical context

Three “hot topics” structuring the 2026 edition

To address these challenges, Interpack 2026 will revolve around three main pillars:

Smart Manufacturing: Artificial intelligence and data are becoming central in optimizing production lines.
Innovative Materials: Circular materials, design for recycling, new functionalities (freshness, safety…).
Future Skills: A key topic: attracting, training, and retaining talent.

And with concrete initiatives planned, such as guided tours for young people, focuses like “Women in Packaging,” and highlighting emerging skills.

A reimagined visitor experience

With visitors staying for shorter periods (2 to 3 days on average), the organization has also adapted the show:

Clearer segmentation of halls by sector
Expanded startup area (number doubled vs 2023)
Dedicated “Components” zone in specific halls
Interpack TV Live, with interviews and live content

JBT Marel: a concrete illustration of the ecosystem

Let’s be fair, we should mention the Benelux press conference host. The choice of JBT Marel to host the conference was no coincidence.
The company aims to embody the evolution of the sector and will of course be present at this year’s edition of Interpack. JBT Marel is active across many segments: meat, fish, beverages, pharma, pet food… with an end-to-end approach combining equipment, software, and services.

My 20/CENT

At first glance, Interpack remains a very industrial trade show, production-oriented. But it would be a mistake to stop at that interpretation.
What stood out to me:

Rapid progress in materials, particularly in terms of sustainability
The direct impact on packaging design, and therefore on the consumer experience
The increasingly strong link between production, marketing, and innovation

Clearly, Interpack is not only relevant for industrial managers.
It also makes sense for packaging designers, agencies, brands, and even retailers who want to anticipate in-store developments.
Finally, a word about Düsseldorf: as often, the organization is smooth, the site easily accessible, and it is entirely possible to make the most of a visit in one to two days, even just to gather insights and network.

Interpack 2026 will take place from May 7 to May 13, 2026 in Düsseldorf.

Interpack Dusseldorf Packaging Verpakking Retail Emballages