Interpack the ‘only place to be’ as organiser and exhibitors hail delivery on promises
For the last seven days, Interpack has been the “only place to be” in the product packaging and processing business.
“Great mood, packed stands, good and plenty of business” – is how Interpack 2023 was summarised by Richard Clemens, managing director of VDMA’s Food Machinery and Packaging Machinery Association.
According to the association’s head, member companies are “very satisfied” with the exhibition overall while he noted machines were purchased “straight off the stand”.
For Metsä Board’s Marjo Halonen, VP communications Metsä Board the quality of visitors was “surprisingly high” coming from all over the world while the exhibition “fulfilled fully expectations”.
“In our Innovation Lab area we provided inspiration for the visitors around circular packaging solutions made with renewable and easily recyclable materials helping to reduce the use of plastic. This year’s discussions exceeded our expectations, Halonen added.
Visitors were greeted with the banner “Welcome Home” as Interpack “delivered what it promised and exceeded exhibitors’ expectations”.
The world’s largest and most relevant packaging trade fair said it set standards, connected the industry on a global level and acted as both a marketplace and content hub.
The organisers revealed visitors from 155 countries came to interpack 2023 while 2,807 exhibitors showcased the power and creativity of the packaging industry with their technologies and solutions.
“It has reported back impressively and reinforced its position as the global platform for the exchange amongst all players in the packaging sector, related process industries and all user industries. Our targets were exceeded by far,” Bernd Jablonowski, executive director at Messe Düsseldorf, said of the trade fair.
Altogether approximately 143,000 visitors travelled to interpack in Düsseldorf, two thirds of them coming from abroad. Alongside many European countries, the largest visitor nations were India, Japan and the USA. Around 75% of visitors came from middle or top management.
Interpack director Thomas Dohse added that after seven trade fair days: “The mood in the halls was great and the inter-cultural exchange enriching for all sides. It was ‘simply unique’ again.”
Markus Rustler, managing partner at Theegarten-Pactec described the mood as “excellent” saying that this year felt like previous years.
“We were able to welcome numerous international delegations as well as all key business partners to our stand and thrill new potential customers,” he added.
The buzz around Interpack was underscored by the positive feedback from visitors. According to the team at interpack, 96% of visitors stated they had achieved their trade fair objectives. Just as satisfied were the exhibitors whose expectations had been exceeded many times over.
“We thank Messe Düsseldorf for the outstanding organisation. I’m confident that I’m speaking on behalf of all companies here. interpack 2023 is simply a must for suppliers and users from all over the world to exchange experiences and do business,” said Markus Rustler, president of interpack 2023 at the conclusion of the event.
“Process and packaging technology for a better life – that’s what visitors experienced at the Syntegon stand. This included numerous solutions with answers to market trends such as automation, digitalisation and sustainability. And the feedback from our customers showed that we have met their requirements. Whether new machines, entire lines or services, the interest was great. The first interpack with our Syntegon brand was a complete success for us,” said Dr. Michael Grosse, Vorsitzender der Geschäftsführung Syntegon.
Considering current market developments, all facets of sustainability were top themes at interpack. Exhibitors presented high-end technologies and concepts that include efficiency and sustainability along an entire production line, supporting the view that interpack is the showcase for innovations.
The many solutions celebrating a world premiere at interpack also included a host of packaging materials and supplies. In excess of 1,000 exhibitors were showcased in this segment alone, making for a new record.
Also attracting plenty of attention were the other Specials such as the interpack Start-up Zone, the joint stand Co-Packing, several award ceremonies spotlighting exciting packaging innovations, the ‘SAVE FOOD Highlight-Route’ with new approaches to fighting global food loss and waste and the promotion of women at ‘Women in Packaging’. The special buzz at this premiere came by way of the approximately 200 women from the international sector, who exchanged and established new networks during interpack.
The next interpack will be held in Düsseldorf from 7 to 13 May 2026.
