A review of the conference agenda at interpack 2026 indicates a strong operational focus on regulatory compliance, automation, and resource efficiency—areas directly impacting potato processors and snack manufacturers navigating cost pressures and evolving EU requirements.

The SPOTLIGHT Forum program is particularly relevant for potato industry stakeholders, with multiple sessions dedicated to the practical implications of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). On the opening day, sessions such as “PPWR – the digital path from requirements assessment to declaration of conformity” and “Navigating the new rules of packaging: The role of Automation in the PPWR era” point to increasing integration between compliance workflows and production systems. A broader panel discussion, “Unboxing PPWR: Challenges and opportunities of the EU Packaging Regulation,” is expected to address implementation hurdles that will affect packaging formats across fresh, frozen and snack potato segments.

Beyond compliance, resource efficiency emerges as a central theme. Sessions including “Energy Monitoring in the Packaging Industry” and “Unlocking Resource Efficiency Through Organizational Design: Higher Utilization, Lower Downtime” reflect ongoing industry efforts to optimize line performance and reduce energy intensity—key cost drivers in potato processing operations. The focus on “Flexible Packaging – The Champion of Packaging Minimisation” further aligns with industry moves to reduce material usage without compromising product protection.

Digitalisation and smart manufacturing also feature prominently. Topics such as “The digital ecosystem in packaging machine manufacturing,” “Driving Digital Innovation in Packaging,” and “Software defined-Factory – Increasing Productivity and Resilience” highlight the shift toward connected, data-driven production environments. For potato processors, these developments are closely tied to throughput optimisation, predictive maintenance and quality control in high-volume lines.

Material innovation is another major pillar of the program. Sessions including “Smart packaging starts with materials: the impact of biopolymers in a low carbon circular economy” and “Natural polymer formulation for sustainable packaging applications” signal continued investment in alternatives to conventional plastics. At the same time, presentations on “Barrier coatings – Impact for packaging that is designed for circularity” and “Challenges of Recyclates – Solutions for Their Use” address practical limitations that remain critical for products such as frozen fries and potato snacks, where shelf life and moisture control are essential.

Traceability and product identification are also gaining prominence. Talks such as “Unlocking the Many Benefits from the Adoption and Successful Implementation of 2D Codes” and “Amazon Transparency and GS1 Sunrise 2027 – Product Identification Redefined” indicate a move toward enhanced supply chain visibility, with implications for brand protection and regulatory reporting.

Complementing the SPOTLIGHT Forum, the SAVE FOOD program introduces sessions on packaging’s role in reducing food waste, including expert panels on global packaging transitions and best practices in extending product shelf life. These themes are particularly relevant for fresh and minimally processed potato segments, where waste reduction remains a commercial and sustainability priority.

Overall, the 2026 program underscores a packaging landscape increasingly shaped by regulatory alignment, digital integration, and material innovation. For potato processors, the agenda highlights a clear direction: tighter compliance requirements combined with the need to maintain efficiency, product quality, and cost control in an increasingly complex operating environment.