Women in Packaging interpack 2026 Session to Unite Strong Voices From Across the World

Starting with an inspiring keynote from Tetra Pak, followed by a high-profile panel discussion and interactive networking session, “Women in Packaging” is set to take the stage at interpack 2026 – and will be more powerful, connected and inspiring than ever. The interpack trade fair will take place from May 7 – 13, 2026 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany.

With “Women in Packaging”, interpack 2026 is again sending a strong signal for female empowerment, diversity and the future of women’s careers in the industry. The format is  specifically designed for women in all stages of their careers – from ambitious newcomers to experienced experts, managers and founders The focus is on inspiration, peer-to-peer exchange, and concrete ideas for the individual career path.

On May 11, 2026, participants at the Congress Center Düsseldorf can look forward to a program that brings people together and inspires action: A keynote address will provide thought-provoking insights, an international panel discussion will highlight diverse career paths and perspectives, and topic-driven networking sessions will create opportunities for meaningful dialogue, new connections, and mutual support.

Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack, stated: “Women in Packaging was still an exception when it premiered in 2023 – today, dialogue on these topics is an integral part of the industry. This exchange is becoming increasingly important, especially in the context of qualified personnel and future skills. interpack introduces a particular international dimension in this respect: participants from all over the world meet speakers from Europe, the USA, South America and Australia and combine different perspectives.”

Keynote: impetus for sustainability and diversity

Caroline Babendererde, Head of Sustainability Mid Europe at Tetra Pak®, will kick off the event. With around 30 years of experience in environmental and sustainability management, including more than two decades in the packaging industry, she is one of the major proponents of sustainable packaging solutions in Europe. In addition to her professional activities, she is a guest lecturer on sustainable packaging and cross-discipline sustainability topics at universities. Her perspective demonstrates how closely linked topics such as sustainability, recruiting young talent and the visibility of career paths are. “Packaging is a crucial component of food safety,” says Caroline Babendererde. “We need to demonstrate much more clearly that it protects products, ensures quality and prevents food losses. In doing so, we will be making a direct contribution to security of supply and climate protection. We want to actively strengthen this awareness – among young people, career starters and, of course, not only among women, because those who recognize our industry’s responsibility and innovative strength also see its strong future opportunities. When it comes to diversity, I hope that equity and diversity will soon be a matter of course. We are making progress, but we still have work to do, especially in the apprenticeship and education sector.”

Panel: perspectives on careers, change and the future of the industry

The panel will bring together representatives from industry, international organizations and science, offering diverse perspectives on the development of the processing and packaging industry – shaped by their personal experiences, international career paths and individual are of focus.

• Jill Evanko, CEO of Duravant, will provide insights from the perspective of a top executive who has led international industrial companies through transformation and growth.
• Dr. Kerstin van Wijk, Global Head of Innovation Packaging Adhesives at Henkel, will represent industrial practice, combining technological innovation with concrete applications along the value chain.
• Luciana Pellegrino, President of the World Packaging Organisation, has an exemplary international career in the packaging industry. As the first woman to lead the global industry association, she will contribute her extensive experience in global organizational cooperation.
• Prof. Dr. Julia Hartmann from EBS University combines experience from research, consulting and supervisory boards and will highlight how sustainable transformation can be strategically embedded in companies.

The panel will be moderated by Nerida Kelton, Vice President Sustainability & Save Food at the World Packaging Organisation and Executive Director, AIP: “The first Women in Packaging event at interpack 2023 showed us that events like this are desired by the global industry. What makes it so special are the open discussions, the networking, the opportunity to be inspired by women who have already travelled this path, and the occasion for participants to ask questions, discuss challenges and learn from one another. For me, it’s about meeting new people, hearing their stories and strengthening my own global network of inspiring women in the packaging industry that I can draw on in the future.”

Topic Hubs: exchange that builds connections

New at Women in Packaging will be  the “Topic Hubs”, topic-based networking sessions focused on Career Pathways & Mentorship, Community Building & Peer Networks, Personal Branding & Visibility, Balancing Work & Life and Future Generation & Skills. These sessions will be led by Topic Ambassadors, who will help to structure and deepen the dialogue.

Shannon Doherty-Andall from the Australian Beverages Council is representative of the interface between sustainability, regulation and industrial implementation. Dr. Afsaneh Nabifar from BASF combines scientific expertise with international transformation work along the value chain. Dr. Kathrin Gimpel, CHRO at the renowned brand manufacturer Teekanne, will introduce the perspective of leadership, organization and corporate culture. Monica Battistella, Sustainability Manager at Taghleef Industries, will share her experience in circular economy and regulatory topics as well as her work in international initiatives. Kaie Kaas-Ojavere, CEO and co-founder of the start-up KIUD, will address the topic of entrepreneurial innovation and new approaches in the field of circular packaging solutions.

The Topic Hubs will create a practical framework where experiences can be shared, challenges discussed, and new connections made.

Event details

Date: Monday, May 11, 2026

• Time: 10:30 am

Location: Congress Centre Düsseldorf, 2nd Floor, Room 26, 27, 28

The program will be hosted by Emily Whigham, journalist and presenter.

Space is limited, please register here.

Source: interpack

The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Packaging Impressions. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Packaging Impressions.