Interpack 2026 closed in Düsseldorf with its largest exhibitor participation to date, as the global processing and packaging industry used the event to showcase technology, materials and process developments against a backdrop of regulatory and market change.

Held from May 7 to 13 on the fully booked Messe Düsseldorf exhibition grounds, the trade fair brought together 2,804 exhibitors from 65 countries and trade visitors from 161 countries. According to Messe Düsseldorf, 75% of visitors came from outside Germany, including 28% from outside Europe. Around 100 additional companies were represented at components, the supplier trade fair held in parallel.

The organiser said the 2026 edition underlined interpack’s role as a central platform for the industry, with high visitor traffic, intensive discussions and strong international participation across the halls.

“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.

The event took place as packaging and processing companies face rising demand for packaged products while adapting to changing requirements for materials, production systems and supply structures. Messe Düsseldorf said the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation was one of the key topics at the show, reflecting its impact on packaging design, material selection and operational planning.

A central theme across the exhibition was the growing connection between materials, machinery and processes. Exhibitors presented solutions in which equipment, packaging formats and production systems are increasingly developed as integrated systems rather than isolated technologies.

Automation, data-based applications and flexible plant concepts were prominent throughout the halls, reflecting the industry’s shift toward smart manufacturing in practical industrial settings. Material innovation was also a major focus, with exhibitors presenting solutions designed to meet regulatory requirements and operate under real production conditions.

Beyond the exhibition stands, interpack 2026 included several specialist formats addressing wider industry themes. These included the interpack Spotlight Forum, SAVE FOOD Expert Talks, Women in Packaging, the Start-up Zone and Young Talents Day. The organiser said these formats reflected the breadth of the industry’s transformation, covering sustainability, technology, diversity, start-up culture, qualification and future skills.

Messe Düsseldorf said many discussions during the seven-day event focused on concrete projects, partnerships and investment decisions, reinforcing the fair’s commercial role for the global packaging and processing sector.

The next interpack will take place in 2029, with the date to be announced.