interpack 2023, the world’s most important packaging trade show, which recently took place in Düsseldorf/Germany, once again set standards. Around 143,000 visitors from 155 countries, many of them with firm investment intentions, gathered information on new and further developments from more than 2,800 exhibitors.

With interpack, we were finally able to hold one of Messe Düsseldorf‘s most important events again,” said Bernd Jablonowski, Executive Director at organizing Messe Düsseldorf. “It has made an impressive comeback and underscored its position as a global platform for exchange among all players in the packaging sector, the related process industry and all user industries. Our goals were far exceeded.”

Under the motto “Welcome home,” the show welcomed guests from all over the world. Two-thirds of them came from abroad. In addition to many European countries, the largest visitor nations were India, Japan and the USA. Around 75 % of the interested parties belonged to middle and upper management.

The event lived up to its promise and also exceeded exhibitors' expectations in many cases. It networked the industry on a global level and was both a marketplace and content hub.

“Finally interpack again!” was a frequently heard phrase in the halls, because after a six-year break, the large community was able to meet here again in person. The joy was correspondingly great. “interpack 2023 will resonate for a long time to come, both in business and personally,” said Director Thomas Dohse after seven days of the trade show. “The atmosphere in the halls was great and the intercultural exchange enriching for all sides. It was again ‘simply unique‘.” This is underlined by the positive feedback from the visitors surveyed, more than 96 % of whom said they had achieved their trade fair objectives. Equally satisfied were the exhibitors, whose expectations were exceeded in many cases.

Considering the current market developments, the enormous challenges, but also the even greater opportunities, this interpack was certainly one of the most important in its history. The need for automation, the will for sustainability and changing consumer habits are all expressions of transformation.

The strategic focus of interpack on the four current trends of circular economy, resource conservation, digitalization and product safety found concrete expression in numerous innovations. The top topic of the trade show was sustainability in all its facets. Exhibitors presented high-end technologies and holistic concepts that take efficiency and sustainability into account along the entire production line.

“Many companies in the consumer goods industry have set their own sustainability goals,” said Richard Clemens, Managing Director of VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery. “In recent years, companies in the packaging machinery sector have succeeded in implementing sustainable packaging concepts through appropriate technical adaptations and newly developed machine solutions. interpack is the showcase of innovations and at the same time the starting point for further development towards a sustainable circular economy.”

Among the many solutions that celebrated their world premiere in Düsseldorf were numerous packaging materials/media in all their diversity. More than 1,000 exhibitors presented themselves in this area alone – a new record.

Marjo Halonen, VP Communications at cardboard supplier Metsä Board, was delighted: “interpack 2023 was a success for Metsä Board. In our Innovation Lab Area, we inspired visitors on the topic of circular packaging solutions made from renewable and easily recyclable materials that help reduce the use of plastic. The talks this year exceeded our expectations. The quality of visitors, who came from all over the world, was surprisingly high and fully met our expectations.”

Manufacturers of packaging systems were also in a positive mood. Markus Rustler, Managing Partner of Theegarten-Pactec and President of interpack 2023, said: “The atmosphere at interpack 2023 was excellent, and we are delighted to have been part of this event again. It felt again like the years before, and we are very satisfied with the quality of the visitors. We were able to welcome numerous international delegations as well as all major business partners to our booth and inspire new potential customers.”

The manufacturers of confectionery machines were also pleased. Jessica Runkel, Managing Director of Winkler und Dünnebier Süßwarenmaschinen (WDS), made it clear: “The personal discussions were a very great added value for us. On all days, we recorded a large number of visits from customers and interested parties. Already during the trade show days, concrete business deals could be made and a large number have been initiated. At interpack, we placed a major focus on flexible solutions for a wide variety of confectionery machines in the chocolate, gum and jelly sectors, as well as on service and digitalization, so that we can always assist customers beyond the mere purchase of equipment.”

However, interpack is not only a business but also a content platform for the industry, live and digital. Fifty talks took place, giving top topics and trends additional visibility and reach through live streams. According to the organizers, over 200,000 viewers tuned in during the trade show alone. The “Spotlight Talks & Trends Forum” was also a visitor magnet, covering seven current topics such as logistics, circular economy and e-commerce over seven days.

The other specials, including 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, and the promotion of women at “Women in Packaging” attracted great attention.

The next interpack will be held in Düsseldorf, 7 to 13 May 2026.