Interpack 2026 closed in Düsseldorf with record exhibitor numbers and strong international attendance, reinforcing its position as a central meeting point for the global processing and packaging industry.
Held from 7 to 13 May, the trade fair brought together 2,804 exhibitors from 65 countries and trade visitors from 161 countries across the fully booked Messe Düsseldorf exhibition grounds. According to the organiser, 75% of visitors came from outside Germany, including 28% from outside Europe. Around 100 additional companies also took part in components, the supplier trade fair held in parallel.
The figures made the 2026 edition the largest interpack in the event’s history by exhibitor numbers. Messe Düsseldorf said the high visitor traffic, international presence and volume of business discussions reflected an industry moving from strategic discussion to implementation across technology, materials and production processes.
“That was a top interpack. Busy halls, intensive exchange and concrete projects showed the strength of this global community. interpack is the most important meeting place for the industry worldwide, and this edition impressively confirmed that,” said Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack, at the close of the trade fair.
A key theme at the event was the pressure on packaging producers and users to adapt to changing regulatory, operational and market requirements. The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation was highlighted as one of the major drivers shaping decisions on materials, machinery and production systems.
The show also pointed to a more integrated approach to packaging development. Exhibitors presented solutions in which materials, equipment and processes are considered together, rather than as separate areas of investment. This was particularly visible in applications linked to automation, data-based production, flexible plant concepts and smart manufacturing.
Materials innovation was another central focus, with attention placed on solutions designed to work under industrial conditions while meeting regulatory requirements. The organiser said the event also underlined the growing importance of future skills, as connected and data-driven systems create new demands in production environments.
Beyond the exhibition stands, interpack 2026 included a broader supporting programme through the interpack Spotlight Forum, SAVE FOOD Expert Talks, Women in Packaging, the Start-up Zone and Young Talents Day. These formats addressed topics including sustainability, technology, diversity, start-up culture, skills development and the future workforce.
For packaging companies, suppliers and brand owners, the event indicated that the sector’s transformation is increasingly being approached through cooperation across the value chain. Messe Düsseldorf said many discussions at the fair led to concrete projects and investment decisions, particularly among visitors from the food and pharmaceutical industries.
The next interpack will take place in 2029, with the exact date to be announced.
