Düsseldorf, Dialogue & Directions

Insights, Innovation & Industry Trends from Interpack 2026

Düsseldorf, Dialogue & Directions

Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf once again confirmed its position as one of the world’s leading trade fairs for processing and packaging.

With more than 2,800 exhibitors from over 65 countries and a highly international visitor base, the scale and diversity of the event clearly illustrated the breadth of today’s market. Across industries, one common theme stood out: the demand for automation, efficiency and flexibility continues to grow.

For QUPAQ, the exhibition was not only an opportunity to showcase our latest solutions within lidding and dispensing. Our intention was also to gain valuable insight into how market needs are evolving across industries and applications.

Segments, Scale & Strategy

While we at QUPAQ primarily collaborate with end customers who operate within the meat and poultry industry, Interpack clearly demonstrated that the demand for our solutions extends far beyond these segments.

With the launch of our new Lid Applicator we are further strengthening our position within close industries such as ready meals, snacks, confectionery and fresh produce, segments where efficiency, flexibility and automation are increasingly critical.

“At Interpack it quickly became clear that significant potential exists beyond our classic partnerships. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, bakery, ready meals and confectionery were strongly represented, highlighting a market that is both broader and more diverse than expected. This underlines a clear opportunity to expand into adjacent segments where automation, efficiency and flexibility are increasingly becoming key requirements”, states Christian Bols, CEO at QUPAQ.

Building on these observations, it also became evident that success at a trade fair of this scale is not only defined by the solutions presented, but equally by positioning and visibility in a highly competitive environment.

Across conversations throughout the week, several recurring themes became evident:

• Strong interest in automated lid application
• Increasing focus on reducing labour costs through automation
• Growing demand for precise and reliable tray dispensing

These insights clearly reflect the challenges many manufacturers are currently facing in their day-to-day operations.

At QUPAQ, these are exactly the areas we address with our solutions, from flexible tooling concepts to integrated automation setups combining denesting, handling and lid application.

The introduction of the QUPAQ Lid Applicator at Interpack generated strong interest, both as a standalone solution and as part of a complete production flow. At the same time, our more established systems continued to attract attention, confirming the relevance of our core technologies in today’s market.

Partnerships, Presence & Perspectives

At the same time, Interpack also reflected how industry dynamics are evolving. As market demands change and solution portfolios expand, relationships across the value chain are naturally being redefined, underlining the importance of clear positioning in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Interpack truly reinforced the importance of strong and reliable partnerships. The continuous presence of Sealpac UK & Partners and Steen Food Tec at the QUPAQ stand throughout the exhibition demonstrated a clear commitment to collaboration and shared development, highlighting the value of close cooperation in delivering integrated solutions.

Direction, Development & Destination

Overall, Interpack 2026 proved to be a highly valuable exhibition for QUPAQ.

The week provided a unique opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities, introduce new solutions and strengthen existing relationships, while also gaining deeper insight into market trends and future opportunities.

With valuable conversations, new perspectives and a strengthened network, the exhibition confirmed that QUPAQ is well positioned to support the evolving needs of the industry.

We would like to thank all partners, customers and visitors who contributed to a highly engaging week at Interpack. A special acknowledgement goes to our preferred partners and OEM collaborators, including Sealpac, Steen Food Tech, VELEC Systems and Handtmann, for their strong presence and contribution throughout the exhibition.

Looking ahead, QUPAQ will join Pack Expo International in Chicago, where we will once again showcase our solutions within dispensing for the food industry. You can find us at the Danish Pavillion in October.

Read more: QUPAQ at Pack Expo International 2026