Unveiling the future of packaging: Interpack 2023 review

After a six-year break, Interpack – Europe’s largest packaging trade fair – made a highly anticipated return in 2023, providing attendees with a comprehensive overview of the latest packaging trends and advancements. This year’s event took place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 4 to 10 May.

The long-awaited comeback was met with excitement from industry professionals worldwide, eager to discover the latest advancements and connect with experts in the packaging sector. The Messe Düsseldorf trade fair site saw more than 2,800 exhibitors fill its 18 halls, attracting around 143,000 visitors from over 150 countries.

Bernd Jablonowski, executive director at Messe Düsseldorf, commented: “With Interpack, we were able to finally hold one of the Messe Düsseldorf’s most important events again. It has reported back impressively and reinforced its position as the global platform for the exchange among all players in the packaging sector, related process industries and all user industries. Our targets were exceeded by far.”

Interpack 2023 showcased the packaging industry’s ability to adapt and innovate despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. From start-ups to industry giants, the event provided a platform for all participants to showcase their latest developments, exchange ideas and establish valuable connections.

So what were some of this year’s innovations showcased for the food and beverage industry?

Processing and machinery

The fair displayed a wide range of food processing and machinery solutions, taking over most of the halls at Messe Düsseldorf.

Sidel took sustainability production to the next level by demonstrating its expertise in primary, secondary and tertiary packaging. The company exhibited a diverse range of solutions in the primary packaging segment, spanning from lightweight bottle designs to 100% rPET, which were enhanced by advanced technology such as preferential heating blowing for complex-shaped containers. In addition, Sidel demonstrated its secondary and tertiary packaging solutions, providing alternatives that combine material reductions with energy-efficient technology and equipment.

IMA, whose presence took over two entire halls, provides technologies for the processing and packaging of many segments within the food and beverage industry – such as tea and herbs, coffee, confectionery and snacks, dairy, bakery and more. One of the solutions IMA showcased at Interpack was the P500 technology, which is a form, fill and seal machine that processes portion cups for dairy and food applications, like fresh cheese, butter, spreads, jam, dressings and sauces, and more.

At Interpack, exhibitors also showcased various robotics solutions and advancements aimed at improving packaging processes. Stäubli presented its TX2-160 HE and TX200 HE robotic arms, which can be used in the meat industry for cutting processes.

Meanwhile, at Cama Group’s stand, the company demonstrated its turnkey robotised naked chocolate packaging line, developed for a leading North American confectionery brand.

Furthermore, Mettler Toledo presented a range of product inspection systems at Interpack 2023, aimed at assisting food manufacturers in boosting productivity, increasing product safety and minimising recalls. The company unveiled the X2 x-ray inspection series – which includes the X12 and the X32 – offering high-detection sensitivity performance and improved product quality control to help reduce product recalls.

Innovative materials

From cardboard and paper packaging to labels and printing, a wide variety of packaging materials were on display at Interpack 2023.

Stora Enso presented its CKB carton packaging solution. Made from 100% pure renewable virgin fibre, CKB is suitable for dry, frozen and chilled food, wines and spirits, beer multipacks and carrier packs for food and drinks, as well as confectionery. The material can withstand moist and tepid conditions, ensuring the product is protected.

American-Canadian label maker CCL presented its WashOff label. It used Dutch beer giant Heineken as an example, with CCL demonstrating how the label from Heineken’s bottle was easily detached, without leaving any residue behind, and shrunk, minimising waste volume. The solution helps to reduce water, chemical and energy consumption.

Meanwhile, Graphic Packaging International showcased its IntegraFlex, a packaging solution available in multiple applications that features folding cartons and flexible packages in a cost-effective way. IntegraFlex’s collapsible cup offers easy access for serving and dispensing a food product, and it provides consumers with an optional resealable closure.