Interpack 2023 – the Countdown is on!

From circular economy to digitalization: At interpack, the industry’s hot topics meet the latest technologies and innovations. In a few weeks, the global processing and packaging industry will finally meet again in Düsseldorf, Germany. From May 4 – 10, 2023, visitors can expect numerous premieres and fascinating solutions from the world of packaging in 18 fully booked exhibition halls. interpack 2023 tickets are available online at www.interpack.de/tickets

“We are ready”, says Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack. “All our exhibitors and partners are ready to go and we look forward to providing the industry with another great trade fair.” interpack is an important building block in the innovation cycle of the packaging and related process industries. After a six-year break, numerous innovations for all user areas will be on display: Food, beverage, confectionery and bakery products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, non-food and industrial goods. Since requirements and framework conditions are constantly changing, the focus is on digital technologies and sustainable products and processes. “We notice very clearly the great determination of the industry to actively shape this transformation process”, states Dohse.

Companies from all over the world

From Europe to Asia, from Africa to the Americas to Australia: Exhibitors at interpack 2023 come from over 60 countries will be represented. This makes interpack the best place to meet potential partners and customers and to expand international business. The top exhibiting nations are Germany, Italy, China, Turkey, India, the Netherlands, the U.S., France, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The largest exhibit areas are occupied by key players such as IMA Industria Macchine, Coesia Group, Syntegon Technology, Marchesini Group, Sollich, Duravant, Aasted ApS, MULTIVAC, OPTIMA packaging group and Ishida Europe Limited. A total of over 2,700 exhibitors are taking part in interpack 2023.

Record number of exhibitors from the packaging sector

With over 1,000 exhibitors, the packaging sector at interpack is a mega trade fair in its own right. Never before have so many companies showcased their products in Halls 7 and 7a, 8a, 9 and 10 with a focus on packaging materials, packaging supplies and packaging aids. All common materials and products of the packaging market will be presented here. As a cross-sectional area for all visitor target groups, these halls and floors (six in total), are of central importance and reflect the innovative strength of the industry with numerous innovations being introduced. A lot is happening, especially with sustainable materials and renewable raw materials. For example, bioplastics that are biodegradable or biobased, such as those made from sugar cane, palm leaves or corn, can be seen at the trade fair.

Especially in Halls 8a and 9, in addition to solutions made of paper, cardboard and paperboard, there will be new, sustainable materials in numerous variants with a focus on sustainability. Plastic packaging, which has the largest share of the market, is still gf great importance, especially for product safety and shelf life. Here, too, there are new approaches towards a circular economy, for example with recyclable films, monomaterial solutions and the use of recyclates or reusable packaging. And the increasing digitalization of the industry is also leading to new developments in the packaging sector. Some examples  are digital labels, smart packaging and packaging with QR codes.

Four hot topics highlight the trends

The developments in the packaging sector demonstrate which issues are at the forefront for the processing and packaging industry and its customers. Megatrends such as sustainability and digitalization, numerous economic and ecological, but also political and social changes and challenges are of concern for companies and provide a boost to innovation at this year’s interpack.

The circular economy will be a top issue: seemingly a simple model but also all-encompassing and posing major challenges in many areas. In the age of climate change, the goal is to produce as little unrecyclable waste as possible. Hand in hand with this goes the need to conserve resources. Therefore, interpack will showcase sustainable processing and packaging solutions as well as digital services that help to make production processes efficient and sustainable. For example, the focus is on reducing the carbon footprint of packaging throughout the value chain, improving energy efficiency and the increasing importance of reusable materials, which will help the industry to make optimal use of resources.

When it comes to transformation processes, little can be done without digital technologies. Big data, augmented reality and remote machine maintenance have long since found their way into assembly shops and machine fleets. For example, the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging will provide information on digital training systems based on virtual reality in the VDMA Technology Lounge in Hall 4. And technologies such as Holy Grail 2.0, RFID, NFC or augmented reality will also increase in the future.

The fourth hot topic at interpack is product safety, one of the core tasks of packaging. The industry is already making an important contribution to reducing food waste. Digital technologies are key in this regard.

Inspiration from new specials

The exhibits are complemented by numerous specials such as the Spotlight talks & trends lecture forum with seven theme days, the interpack Start-up Zone, the Co-Packing joint booth, several award ceremonies with exciting packaging innovations, the SAVE FOOD Highlight Route with new approaches in the fight against global food loss and waste as well as the promotion of women at “Women in Packaging” and Late Night during the day in the Tightly Packed TV studio.

“‘Every part counts” is the motto of the components event, which will again be held concurrently with interpack in Hall 18. Here, machine parts and accessories, automation systems and components for packaging materials are presented on around 2,400 square meters. The approximately 80 exhibitors support companies in the packaging sector and the related process industry in achieving goals such as increasing efficiency, saving resources or digitalization.

Effective networking: Live and digital

Finding the right match for your own business is made possible by interpack Matchmaking. The dating platform for business connects exhibitors with visitors before, during and after the event. This allows the best use of the trade fair visit’s potential. The online matchmaking tool suggests potential contacts to its users who match their interests. This saves time and helps to increase your own reach.

For further information on visiting or exhibiting at interpack 2023, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: (312) 781-5180; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit www.interpack.com and www.mdna.com; For the interpackonline magazine: www.interpack.de/tightly_packed_com

For hotel and travel information, contact TTI Travel, Inc. at (866) 674-3476; Fax: (212) 674-3477; E-mail: info@ttitravel.net; www.ttitravel.net