In this exclusive pre-show interview, Ben Daniel, Chief Editor of Packaging Middle East & Africa, speaks with Thomas Dohse of Interpack and Richard Clemens of VDMA about what’s in store for Interpack 2026, including global participation, key industry trends, and the event’s focus on technology, materials, and future skills.
As the packaging industry prepares for Interpack 2026, scheduled to take place from 7–13 May in Düsseldorf, industry leaders are projecting strong momentum for the world’s leading processing and packaging trade fair. With more than 2,800 exhibitors from over 60 countries already confirmed, the event is set to reaffirm its position as a global meeting point for decision-makers across the packaging and processing value chain.
Speaking on the scale of the upcoming edition, Dohse noted the strong exhibitor demand. “We are booked out since many months now and the planning is going ahead in a very good way,” he said.
Global scale
With over 2,800 exhibitors confirmed from more than 60 countries, the trade fair remains a central meeting point for professionals and decision-makers across the packaging supply chain. Speaking on the scale of the upcoming edition, Dohse emphasized the strong exhibitor demand.
Technology shift
Clemens, representing VDMA, offered a broader economic and industrial outlook. “It seems to be a very lucky industrial sector,” he stated, citing a global export volume of more than €240 billion in the past five years, with growth of over 40% in the last decade. “In this region, Middle East, we have an increase between 23% and 24% of more growth compared to Europe.”
He highlighted Interpack’s role as a platform connecting regional industrial investment and global demand in the food and packaging sectors.
Future drivers
According to Clemens, global packaging trends are being driven by urbanization, rising incomes, and a greater emphasis on food security. Forecasts indicate that packaged food demand will increase globally by more than 11% annually over the next five years, reinforcing the industry’s role in supporting food supply and safety.
Future drivers at Interpack 2026
Looking ahead to Interpack 2026, Clemens identified three key focus areas: smart manufacturing, future materials, and skills development.
“We always say data seems to be a kind of gold of the future,” he explained. The show will address new digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. On materials, Clemens acknowledged the global demand for food processing and packaging machinery.
He also noted that “65% of the packaged food is packaged in plastics,” while highlighting Interpack’s focus on alternative solutions such as mono-materials, bio-based materials, biodegradable packaging, and fibre-based materials.
“Biodegradable doesn’t mean bio-based,” he clarified, underlining the need for clearer industry understanding and innovation in this space.
Planning ahead
Dohse encouraged international visitors to plan their attendance early, particularly those from the Middle East and Africa. “Please prepare your visit early and also your hotel booking early because this is crucial to get in time,” he advised.
Despite accessibility concerns at times, Dohse emphasized the value of attending in person. “If you have not been there before, I can just urge you to come to Interpack and find out about this great show,” he said.
Interpack 2026
Interpack 2026 will be held from 7–13 May 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany. As the official media partner for the MEA region, Packaging MEA will deliver comprehensive pre-show and post-show coverage from December 2025.