From September 23 to 25, 2025, the global packaging industry will converge on Exhibition Centre Nuremberg for FACHPACK, a pivotal trade fair dedicated to the sector’s most pressing challenges and promising innovations. This year, the event’s guiding theme, “Transition in Packaging,” perfectly captures the transformative period the industry is experiencing. As new regulations, shifting consumer demands, and economic pressures reshape the market, FACHPACK provides a crucial platform for professionals to find concrete solutions and forge a path forward.
With approximately 1,400 exhibitors spread across 11 halls, FACHPACK is far more than a simple product showcase. It is a comprehensive ecosystem where the entire packaging value chain—from materials and machinery to printing and logistics—is represented. This is a “working” trade fair, where the focus is on collaboration, problem-solving, and a hands-on approach to innovation.
The driving forces of a resilient industry
The European packaging sector is demonstrating remarkable agility in the face of significant headwinds. Market performance is a mixed bag, with sluggish consumer demand and rising raw material costs creating a complex economic environment. Furthermore, legislative changes, such as the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), are pushing companies to embrace circularity and sustainability with unprecedented urgency.
Despite these challenges, the industry is not just surviving—it’s innovating. As FACHPACK Director Phuong Anh Do notes, the trade show doesn’t simply present ideas; it actively develops and refines them. This year’s event will highlight how companies are responding with speed and creativity to develop solutions that make a real impact on sustainability, resource efficiency, and automation.
The trade show’s dual focus on packaging materials and technology is a key strength. Roughly 60% of exhibitors specialize in packaging and its components, while the other 40% are dedicated to the machinery and automation that bring these solutions to life. This balance ensures visitors get a holistic view of the latest developments across the entire production and supply chain.
New pavilions and focused forums
FACHPACK 2025 introduces several new features designed to highlight niche areas of innovation. A particularly exciting debut is the “Converting meets Packaging” pavilion in Hall 7, which is already fully booked. This initiative recognises the critical link between the converting industry—which specialises in processes like coating, printing, and lamination—and the packaging sector. By bringing these two segments together, the pavilion aims to foster better communication and collaboration, ensuring that groundbreaking ideas move from concept to market-ready solutions more smoothly.
Another popular highlight is the “Alternative Packaging Solutions” pavilion, which returns for its second year. This space is a hotbed for forward-thinking ideas, showcasing materials like paper made from lawn and leaves or upholstery from grain husks. It’s a testament to the industry’s commitment to finding alternatives to conventional materials and reducing its environmental footprint.
Beyond the show floor, FACHPACK’s three specialized forums are a key draw for professionals seeking deep-dive knowledge.
- The PACKBOX forum, moderated by industry partners, will feature expert presentations and discussions on topics ranging from the circular economy to the challenges of the new PPWR regulations.
- The INNOVATIONBOX provides a rapid-fire platform for exhibitors to present their latest products and process innovations.
- The SOLPACK 6.0 forum is entirely dedicated to sustainable packaging, exploring topics like new fiber-based raw materials and the latest in green design.
Networking and future-focused initiatives
FACHPACK’s commitment to “creating the future” is evident in its robust networking opportunities, which extend beyond the main exhibition. The inaugural FuturePack Summit will be held the day before the trade show begins, bringing together leading European packaging startups with investors and industry players. This event is designed to bridge the gap between groundbreaking innovation and real-world market access.
For female leaders in the industry, the WOMEN4PACKAGING event offers a unique chance to connect, share insights, and discuss trends. The trade fair also plays a crucial role in nurturing emerging talent through its STUDENT DAY, where students can engage with professionals, attend workshops, and explore career paths in the industry.
The show will also host the prestigious German Packaging Award ceremony, celebrating the best and most innovative packaging concepts from across Europe. With awards for everything from sustainability to young talent, it is a showcase of the creative and technical excellence driving the sector forward.
As the packaging industry continues its transformation, FACHPACK 2025 stands as an essential meeting point. It is where ideas are shared, solutions are forged, and the future of packaging is actively shaped.
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