A Preview of interpack 2026

The packaging and label industry is gearing up for interpack 2026. With approximately 2,800 exhibitors, the show will spotlight how companies are responding to mounting pressures — from regulation and sustainability mandates to labor shortages and cost constraints — while embracing new opportunities driven by digital technology and materials innovation. This includes highlights from both established organizations and young companies being featured in this year’s Startup Zone.

Here’s what attendees should be on the lookout for at the event, taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany, May 7-13.

AI and Automation Drive Smarter Production

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will be front and center as converters look to improve efficiency and consistency.

EyeC will showcase its new Proofiler Graphic Connect, an automated, system-independent, SaaS-based prepress solution. According to a company press release, EyeC will also bring its ProofRunner line — an AI-powered inspection technology — to the show, as well as other tools to help label and packaging producers reduce errors and waste.

BW Packaging is also emphasizing integration and usability, showcasing equipment across bagging, filling, labeling, and palletizing — along with its OpView HMI, a human-machine interface system.

“What’s special about OpView is that regardless of an operator’s experience level, they can use its modern interface to easily set up, operate, and troubleshoot the machine,” Joe Ambrose, director of Innovation-Controls at BW Packaging, said in a statement. “It’s even available in multiple languages. It’s a highly valuable solution for manufacturing operations where scarcity of experienced operators is a common challenge.”

Hybrid Software will showcase its AI tools designed to streamline artwork management and operational efficiency. According to a company release, some of these will include Smart PDF for automated artwork compliance checks and CLOUDFLOW Matches. Matches is an AI-powered visual search engine built to help package printers to identify previous jobs they’ve done that have similar text, barcodes, or image content so they can produce new jobs quickly and accurately — which can help as brands increase their number of SKUs.

Digital Printing Expands Flexibility and Speed

Digital print continues to gain traction as converters seek agility. At interpack 2026, SCREEN Europe will demonstrate its Truepress PAC 520P. The roll-fed digital inkjet press is designed to make paper-based flexible packaging more scalable by using aqueous inks and automated workflows.

According to a company release, SCREEN will also present its Truepress LABEL 350UV SAI, another digital inkjet press tailored to label-printing needs.

As research from Alliance Insights shows, digital systems enable shorter runs, faster changeovers, and versioning — key advantages as brands demand more customization and speed.

Mono-Material Films Simplify Sustainability

Innovia Films is introducing new mono-material polypropylene (PP) solutions designed to replace multi-material laminates and support compliance with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). By replacing multi-material films with mono-material ones, Innovia Films aims to streamline production, improve recyclability, and make material performance more consistent across applications, according to a company release.

“Customers want sustainability without added complexity,” Simon Huber, managing director for Innovia Europe, said in the release. “We’re helping them achieve both with solutions that are easy to adopt and ready for what’s next.”

Meanwhile, Constantia Flexibles will have its recycling-focused Ecolutions portfolio on display. The materials — including mono-PE, mono-PP, aluminum-based, and paper-based structures — will be running live on equipment from 30 machine suppliers, giving attendees a real-world view of how these solutions perform across applications.

Materials Innovation Accelerates Circular Packaging

Sun Chemical is highlighting how inks, coatings, and adhesives — combined with consulting and digital tools — can help package and label converters navigate regulatory and sustainability challenges.

As part of its interpack lineup, Michelman will be focusing on bio-based coatings and collaborative development, showing how coordinated efforts across substrates, coatings, and converting processes can speed commercialization of recyclable packaging solutions.

Comexi’s showcase will reinforce that sustainability is no longer a cost, but can also drive efficiency. According to a company statement, Comexi will highlight applications such as recyclable mono-material and mono-layer solutions and solvent-free processes that reduce both emissions and costs.

Paper-Based Substrates Gain Ground

Paper-based solutions will also be on display at interpack 2026, with manufacturers stressing their sustainability benefits.

Hugo Beck will launch a paper-based sleeve wrapping system designed to replace plastic shrink film and reduce cardboard use in transport packaging. According to a company release, the solution was developed in collaboration with Mondi to ensure reliable processing and to align the interactions between substrate and machine.

Packaging Takes on a Bigger Sustainability Role

The SAVE FOOD Initiative, in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), will highlight how packaging innovation can reduce food loss and waste worldwide through technology, collaboration, and education.

Meanwhile, the Spotlight Forum — spanning about 75 presentations, sessions, and panel discussions — will explore key issues such as PPWR, circular economy strategies, AI-driven production, and more, offering attendees insight into how regulation and innovation intersect.

Global Leadership and Recognition Take the Stage

interpack 2026 will also serve as a hub for global industry leadership and recognition.

The WPO will bring together representatives from 38 countries for a series of executive meetings, working group sessions, and strategic discussions focused on sustainability, education, governance, and industry collaboration. According to a press release, a key highlight will be the 115th WPO Board Meeting, where leaders will shape initiatives impacting the future of packaging worldwide.

The organization will also host the prestigious WorldStar Award Ceremony on May 8, recognizing standout innovations in packaging design, functionality, sustainability, and technology. The awards showcase how packaging continues to drive efficiency, product protection, and environmental responsibility.

A Fully Connected Packaging Ecosystem

The biggest takeaway from interpack 2026 is integration.

Across materials, machinery, printing, and digital technologies, the industry is moving toward connected, end-to-end solutions. Packaging is no longer just a container — it is a platform for data, sustainability, efficiency, and brand communication.

For attendees, interpack 2026 offers a clear view of the future: smarter, more sustainable, and more connected packaging systems.

ChatGPT was used extensively in the writing of this article.