The Interpack trade fair is in full swing from May 4th to 10th, with visitors enjoying a broad spectrum of offerings from approximately 2,700 exhibitors. There are numerous new special areas and promotions to complement the exhibition, ensuring that the show offers a deep dive into the most critical issues facing the processing and packaging industry both now and in the future.
According to Thomas Dohse, Director of Interpack, the show’s supporting program has been redesigned to put tomorrow’s opportunities and challenges on the agenda. He stated that there will be numerous voices from experts, as well as ground-breaking innovations and projects.
The “Spotlight talks & trends” segment of the trade fair is offering seven days of input on the most critical topics and trends in the industry, featuring presentations, case studies, and interactive sessions with top industry experts. The focus will be on topics related to logistics, circular economy, sustainability, digital technologies, product safety, and e-commerce. Companies such as Siemens, Schütz, and Markem-Imaje have already announced their attendance for presentations.
One of the highlights of Interpack is the packaging innovations, which are highlighted through award ceremonies. The “WorldStar Packaging Awards” 2023, presented by the World Packaging Organisation, WPO, is considered the most prestigious packaging award in the world. A total of 228 award winners demonstrate the innovative strength of the industry. This year’s edition features new and exciting categories: Gift Packaging, Digital Packaging and the special category Accessible Packaging. Around 400 participants are expected to attend the award ceremony on May 6th.
The “PackTheFuture Award” of the German IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen and its French partner ELIPSO are also being presented during Interpack. The award honors innovative and sustainable packaging solutions made of plastic, promoting and publicizing the contribution of plastic packaging to climate protection, the circular economy, and responsible consumption.
In addition, there is a new special area on contract packaging, which focuses on processing and packaging services. The joint booth in Hall 12 features co-packing suppliers for packaging and processing food or consumer goods, as well as additional services related to packaging and configuring products. The partner is the European Co-Packers Association, which represents some 1,000 members of the professional contract packaging industry in Europe, making it a valuable resource for brand owners, manufacturers, and retailers looking to outsource production.
Around 30 exhibitors at Interpack are also members of the SAVE FOOD Initiative, which since 2011 has been dedicated to fighting the global loss and waste of food. The “SAVE FOOD Highlight Route” offers visitors insight into new technologies that help reduce food losses and increase product safety. The SAVE FOOD booth in the North Entrance Area provides information about the initiative and shows the initial results of the joint study with Instanbul Bahçeşehir University (BAU) on the production of bio-based packaging materials from food waste or food by-products.
For the first time, Interpack is promoting an exchange event by women for women. Together with the WPO, a panel discussion followed by networking on May 8th is being hosted to expand the professional network of female participants, inspire them, and share experiences. All women who are already working in the industry as well as interested junior staff, trainees, and students are invited.
Lastly, the Tightly Packed TV Studio from Interpack and packaging journal is celebrating a premiere with exciting talk shows, discussions, and live broadcasts from the exhibition halls. The studio is located in the transition area, providing visitors with a “late night” experience during the day.