2026 is set to be a pivotal year for the packaging industry. Regulation is tightening, consumer expectations around sustainability continue to rise, and performance is under greater competitive pressure than ever. The industry’s most influential events will bring together brands, converters, retailers, and innovators to confront challenges, test solutions, and define what comes next for packaging.
These are the events that will set the agenda in 2026 and drive the conversations that matter most.
Fruit Logistica | Berlin, Germany | Feb 04 – Feb 06
Fruit Logistica is the most important global event for the fresh produce industry, and a key decision point for packaging in this sector. It brings together growers, brand owners, retailers, and packaging suppliers who are actively sourcing solutions for fresh fruit and vegetables. Packaging, labeling, shelf-life, and compliance discussions here are practical, commercial, and highly influential.
BIOFACH | Nuremberg, Germany | Feb 10 – Feb 13
BIOFACH is the world’s leading trade fair for organic products and a critical platform for sustainable packaging. It attracts brands and buyers with strict environmental standards, making it a strong reference point for compostable, certified, and regulation-ready packaging solutions. Packaging decisions made here often set benchmarks for the wider organic market.
Packaging Innovations | Birmingham, UK | Feb 11 – Feb 12
Packaging Innovations is one of Europe’s most forward-looking packaging events, focused on materials, design, regulation, and future-ready solutions. It draws brand owners, packaging engineers, and sustainability leaders looking for alternatives that balance performance with environmental responsibility. The event is known for highlighting emerging trends before they reach mass adoption.
Natural Products Expo West | Anaheim, California, USA | Mar 04 – Mar 06
Natural Products Expo West is one of the most influential platforms for sustainable packaging adoption in food and beverage. While not a packaging-only event, it is where brands with strong environmental commitments actively evaluate packaging materials, formats, and end-of-life solutions that align with clean-label and sustainability expectations.
SNX | Dallas, Texas, USA | Mar 29 – Mar 31
SNX features one-to-one, private business meetings between snack producers and suppliers, and emphasizes education and collaboration throughout the snack supply chain. It is highly relevant for flexible packaging, high-barrier materials, and portioned formats, where performance, shelf life, and sustainability pressures converge in high-volume applications.
Rethinking Materials Innovation and Investment Summit | London, UK | Apr 28 – Apr 29
The Rethinking Materials Summit is a focused, high-level event dedicated to material innovation and sustainability. It attracts senior leaders working on next-generation packaging materials, making it a valuable forum for in-depth discussions around performance, scalability, and environmental impact beyond headline claims.
Interpack | Düsseldorf, Germany | May 07 – May 13
Interpack is the world’s most important packaging trade fair, covering the full spectrum from materials and machinery to processing and end-of-life solutions. Its scale, international reach, and technical depth make it a global reference point for where packaging is heading. What is shown at Interpack often defines industry standards for years to come.
Global Pouch Forum | Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA | May 27 – May 29
The Global Pouch Forum is a high-level conference focused exclusively on flexible packaging and pouch formats. It brings together material suppliers, converters, and brand owners for in-depth discussions around performance, sustainability, and market direction, making it especially relevant for flexible packaging strategies.
ProPak Asia | Bangkok, Thailand | Jun 10 – Jun 13
ProPak Asia is the leading packaging and processing exhibition in Southeast Asia. It plays a critical role in showcasing scalable packaging technologies and materials for high-growth markets, making it highly relevant for understanding how innovative packaging solutions are adopted and industrialized at volume.
LUXE PACK Monaco | Monaco | Sep 28 – Sep 30
LUXE PACK Monaco is the global benchmark for luxury packaging. It sets expectations for premium material innovation, design excellence, and sustainability, influencing how high-value brands approach packaging performance and environmental responsibility.
IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show | Orlando, Florida, USA | Oct 14 – Oct 16
IFPA is the most influential global event for fresh produce and floral, making it a critical platform for packaging in this sector. It brings together retailers, growers, packers, and solution providers who are making immediate, operational decisions. Packaging, labeling, and waste-reduction solutions showcased here are evaluated with direct commercial intent.
Pack Expo International | Chicago, USA | Oct 18 – Oct 21
PACK Expo is North America’s largest and most comprehensive packaging event. It attracts senior decision-makers across food, beverage, consumer goods, and industrial packaging, with a strong focus on materials, machinery, and innovation at scale. It is a key venue for understanding where the U.S. packaging market is moving next.
Conclusion
These events will bring together the people and ideas driving change in packaging alongside the industry’s best solutions, materials, and technologies that will be on display.
Taken together, they represent the moments where packaging decisions will be shaped, where materials will be tested, claims challenged, and solutions evaluated against real operational, regulatory, and sustainability demands. For anyone involved in packaging strategy, innovation, or procurement, these events will provide the clearest view of what is ready today and what will define the market next.
