Building on the strong momentum of its 2025 debut, APPMA will once again host the Processing & Packaging Pavilion at CeMAT Australia when the event returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 23–25 June 2026.
APPMA says the pavilion will scale up significantly next year, offering an even more comprehensive platform for processing and packaging innovation within the broader Industrial Transformation Australia (ITA) zone.
Strong traction in 2025
The inaugural pavilion in 2025 delivered a standout showcase of processing equipment, packaging machinery, automation, robotics, inspection, labelling, coding, sustainability solutions and integrated technologies.
Exhibitors included leading suppliers such as Visy, Sealed Air, IMA Group, Beckhoff, ifm efector, Pilz, Schmalz, Robotic Automation, Ranpak, HMPS Propac, Epson, Australis Engineering, SATO, ABBE and Aurora Process Solutions.
APPMA maintained a strong on-site presence, reinforcing its support for the sector and creating high visibility for the pavilion. The Pavilion attracted significant attendee interest, with many visitors registering specifically to access the APPMA space and its dedicated conference content.
Find out more about the 2025 Packaging & Processing Pavilion in this video.
Sector-led insights on the ITA Stage
A full day of APPMA-led programming on the ITA Knowledge Theatre stage positioned the pavilion as a destination for thought leadership and industry updates. Across 12 sessions and more than 20 speakers, the program covered an expansive mix of strategic and technical topics, including:
- Megatrends shaping the next decade, presented by Prof Henrik von Scheel
- Digital transformation and future-ready manufacturing
- 2D barcoding and supply chain traceability
- Sustainable packaging design and APCO’s 2030 roadmap
- Smart, scalable FMCG packaging
- Lifecycle sustainability assessment
- Lean manufacturing integrated with Industry 4.0
- Automation, vacuum robotics, AMR-driven production and emerging Industry 5.0 concept
The strong depth of content reinforced the pavilion’s role not only as an exhibition destination but also as a key hub for education and cross-sector collaboration.
Looking ahead to 2026
For 2026, APPMA plans to increase exhibitor representation, deepen industry collaboration and extend the scope of processing and packaging content delivered across the ITA stage. With Victoria’s strong manufacturing ecosystem providing a natural platform for growth, next year’s pavilion will offer an expanded, integrated environment for suppliers, manufacturers and technology partners.
Current exhibitors confirmed for 2026 to date include Epicor Software; Graph-Pak; Matthews Australasia; Nuevopak Global; Peacock Bros; Pilz; Schmalz; Viscount Plastics.
The 2026 Innovation Stage will focus on “Technology in Packaging and Processing”, providing practical insights and future-focused discussions. APPMA’s Denni Egan will again host the stage program and serve as the primary contact for interested suppliers.
Exhibit in the Processing & Packaging Pavilion
APPMA invites technology suppliers, machinery manufacturers, automation providers and packaging and processing innovators to join the 2026 Pavilion.
To register your interest in exhibiting, contact Denni Egan at e: denni@appma.com.au
