The trade fair world never stops.
Director of interpack
Among long-standing events and new projects, interpack stands as an undisputed benchmark for the international packaging and processing industry. The next edition is scheduled to take place in Düsseldorf from 7 to 13 May 2026, returning after three years with impressive figures and top-level content.
During our recent visit to Düsseldorf, we had the opportunity to meet Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack and one of the most authoritative voices on the global exhibition scene.
Together, we explored what’s happening behind the scenes of one of the industry’s most anticipated events.
Thomas, interpack is widely regarded as the premier event for the packaging world. What can we expect in 2026?
Sonia, we’re less than a year away from opening the halls, and I can already confirm: we are completely sold out. Every square metre has been assigned, and we’re preparing for a rich, vibrant edition with exhibitors from all over the globe, thousands of visitors, and an international atmosphere that’s part of interpack’s identity. After three years, we’re back with full energy. It will be, I assure you, a truly unique trade fair.
As we know, interpack covers a broad spectrum of equipment, technologies, production lines and materials, as well as packaging trends. What will be the central themes this time?
We’ve identified three main thematic pillars that reflect the industry’s current priorities and the ongoing changes. The first of these is smart manufacturing: everything related to intelligence in processes, automation, and the ability of machines to collect and interpret data.
Artificial intelligence is now making a strong entrance into our sector. The second pillar focuses on innovative materials. We’ll feature at least 1,000 exhibitors dedicated to packaging materials, and we expect major developments in terms of sustainability, performance, weight reduction, and recyclability.
Finally, the third theme is future skills, the growing need for new expertise, new professional profiles, and new approaches. interpack will also serve as a forum for this. Technological innovation alone isn’t enough and cultural innovation is just as crucial.
There’s still some time to go, but expectations are already high. What’s the mood behind the scenes?
There’s a great buzz. interpack is unlike any other trade fair. I say this with conviction: for many companies, this is where they decide “how to present themselves to the world”. Exhibitors begin planning months, sometimes even years, in advance, deciding what to showcase, which solutions to highlightand what message to convey. The same applies to visitors. People don’t come to interpack by chance; they come because they know they’ll find real innovation, global partnerships, and concrete solutions.
And in terms of international visitors? What’s your strategy?
We’ve already launched a comprehensive global programme. Soon, I’ll be travelling across continents for official presentations, engage with new stakeholders and strengthen ties with our long-standing partners. We invite everyone to start preparing now, including arranging flights, hotels and documents.
interpack is a major event, so getting organised early will give youa real advantage. interpack 2026 is shaping up to be an edition full of content, but also of responsibility.
It will be tasked with interpreting a rapidly evolving industry, suspended between industrial demands, technological progress, and shifting market expectations. In this context, the fair won’t just be a showcase, but also a privileged observation point for a transforming sector.
As the halls take shape, the agenda is defined and the industry gears up, interpack 2026 stands out as much more than an exhibition, it will be a pivotal moment to witness the industry’s evolution, understand where it’s heading, and measure its pace.
Save the date for interpack 2026 and explore all the innovations that are reshaping the future of packaging.
