The Spotlight Forum at interpack 2026 will feature around 75 presentation sessions and panel discussions focusing on packaging regulation, resource efficiency, automation and workforce development.
Running from 7 to 13 May in Düsseldorf, the forum is organised by interpack together with dfv Conference Group and PackReport. Under the theme ‘7 Days, 7 Topics’, the Spotlight Forum is entering its second round and is positioned as a central exchange platform at the trade fair.
The opening day will focus on the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Discussions will address the use of recycled materials, reusable quotas, recycling rates and hygiene requirements. Tânia Dias da Costa, sustainability consultant at pacoon Sustainability Concepts, will outline steps for regulatory implementation within companies. Frank Debusmann, product manager at REA Elektronik, will discuss labelling systems designed to support PPWR-compliant recycling. Patricia Torres Mateus, industry segment manager for packaging at OMRON Electronics, will present on automation for data collection, transparency and traceability along production lines. A panel discussion with industry representatives and the European Commission will examine competitiveness, location issues and the regulation’s impact on companies, customers and consumers. The day is powered by REA.
Resource efficiency will be the focus on 8 May, powered by Aasted. Pierre Michaels and Thomas Goetzl, consultants at TTE Strategy GmbH, will present approaches including cross-location benchmarking and data-based dialogue between plants, to identify unused capacities. Aasted will discuss optimisation of chocolate production processes and the efficient use of resources. A panel moderated by Ton Knipscheer, secretary general at European Co-Packers Association, will examine how geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs and regulation are affecting supply chains.
Smart packaging is the theme on 9 May, powered by Domino Germany. Craig Stobie, product marketing manager at Domino Germany, will discuss the potential of 2D codes. Simon Hill and Ian Richards, executives at TNA Northern Europe B.V., will present examples of integrated packaging lines designed to improve efficiency while meeting safety, sustainability and quality requirements. Jürgen Lochner, head of digital solutions at Mosca, will outline data-based service models. Dr Tobias Jochum, group manager at Fraunhofer IAP, will discuss digital product passports, brand protection and supply chain traceability.
Automation and artificial intelligence will be discussed on 10 May, powered by Syntegon Technology. Thomas Peter, senior vice-president for portfolio management, and Stephan Schuele, director of digitalisation at Syntegon Technology, will discuss digital processes and automation in production. Marco Facchin, chief executive officer at BIOMETiC srl, will present on the use of 3D computed tomography and explainable AI in food inspection. Jan De Roeck, director of industry relations and strategy at Esko-Graphics, will discuss AI-supported workflows, while Christian Keßler, head of innovation software at SEW Eurodrive, will outline the concept of the software-defined factory.
The programme on 11 May will focus on circular economy approaches, powered by Metsa Board. Kaisa Munukka, sustainability director at Metsä Board, will discuss life cycle analyses, renewable raw materials and fossil-free energy sources in packaging production. Thomas Krämer, head of product management at Wipotec, will examine traceability enabled by product labelling and digital transparency. Gillian Garside Wright, director at Aura Consultants, will present trends to 2050 and their potential impact on circularity and brand strategies. Carsten Bertram, head of packaging sustainability at Henkel Consumer Brands, will discuss how PPWR requirements are being translated into packaging strategies.
Innovative materials will be discussed on 12 May, powered by tesa SE. The programme will examine recycling-friendly packaging design, mono-material concepts and adhesive systems. Rosa González, researcher at AIMPLAS, will present polymer formulations for packaging applications. Lynsey Maddison, global sustainability director at ProAmpac, will discuss material solutions designed for recycling, including mono and fibre products for different markets. Dr Jörg Zacharias, head of packaging development at KRONES AG, will discuss fibre-based beverage bottles and their industrialisation potential.
The final day of the event will focus on young professionals. Industry associations including VDMA and Industrial Association for Plastic Packaging (IK) will discuss cooperation with universities, qualification profiles and strategies for retaining young talent. Representatives from companies will also discuss how young employees are developed and prepared for key roles in the packaging industry. Formats such as ‘NextGen Plastics’, powered by IK, will also be part of the programme.
