Extrusion International 6-2025

8 Extrusion International 6/2025 INDUSTRY NEWS interpack 2026 Anticipation is growing as interpack reaches the next milestone on the way to its 2026 edition, which will take place from 7 to 13 May. Around 2,800 exhibitors from all over the world are preparing to showcase their lat- est innovations in Düsseldorf, setting important trends for the future of a globally connected industry. “interpack 2026 is more important than ever,” says interpack director Thomas Dohse. “Against the back- drop of profound transformation across many sectors, a wide range of topics are on the agenda, including AI, automation, new regulations, the need for future skills, and innovative materials. Now is the time to take ac- tion together.” Due to population growth, rapid ur- banisation, rising incomes and chang- ing consumer behaviour, the process- ing and packaging industry is in high demand now and will continue to be so in the future. At the same time, however, companies face major chal- lenges: raw materials are limited and expensive; regulations are becom- ing increasingly complex, creating an enormous administrative burden; supply chains are uncertain; skilled la- bour is scarce; and the pace of innova- tion is high. Added to this are geopo- litical risks. “In such a dynamic market situa- tion, a global summit like interpack is a central source of impetus and therefore of particular value,” says Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the Food Processing and Packag- ing Machinery Association within the VDMA. “Here, solutions are pre- sented that contribute to conserving resources, making processes more ef- cient, and securing long-term com - petitiveness along the entire value chain. Those who want to actively shape change need innovative tech- nologies and a smart strategic orien- tation because only in this way can ecological and economic challenges be successfully overcome.” The outlook is positive, particularly in the core markets of food and phar- ma. In 2024, global sales of packaged food reached 872 million tonnes, and this gure is expected to rise by 11.1 % to 968 million tonnes by 2029. The pharmaceutical market is also growing, with an increase in produc- tion value from €1.9 trillion in 2024 to €2.4 trillion projected by 2029. The ticket shop has also been open since 1 October. Visitors to the web- site will nd comprehensive informa - tion on preparing for the trade fair, as well as travel and accommodation op- tions. The new hotel service provides a clear overview of accommodation options for interpack, making com- parisons easier. Messe Düsseldorf GmbH www.interpack.com Swiss Plastics Expo 20 - 22 January 2026 Luzern / Switzerland www.swissplastics-expo.ch Future of Chemical Recycling 28 - 29 January 2026 Düsseldorf / Germany www.wlpgroup.com/aci/event/future- of-chemical-recycling/ 14. Euopean Thermoforming Conference 3 -5March 2026 Strasbourg / France www.thermoforming-europe.org SOLIDS & RECYCLING-TECHNIK Dortmund 2026 18 - 19 March 2026 Dortmund / Germany www.solids-recycling-technik.de RePlast Eurasia 26 – 28March 2026 Istanbul / Turkey www.replasteurasia.com World of Cables 13 - 17 April 2026 Düsseldorf / Germany www.wire.de/weltderkabel interpack 2026 07 - 13May 2026 Düsseldorf / Germany www.interpack.de Interplas 2026 02 - 04 June 2026 Birmingham / United Kingdom www.interplasuk.com Equiplast 02 – 05 June 2026 Barcelona / Spain www.equiplast.com PLASTMilan 9 – 12 June 2026 Milan / Italy www.plastonline.org