The European Packaging Industry Meets in Nuremberg

FACHPACK sees itself as a guide to the packaging industry: “The momentum in the packaging industry has never been greater than it is now,” says Heike Slotta, Executive Director Exhibitions at NürnbergMesse. “And companies are responding to this with impressive creative and innovative power. We are now experiencing this live on three days of the trade fair, which I am very much looking forward to.” The “Transition in Packaging” theme is reflected at the stands of the 1,463 exhibitors, in the extensive lecture program, the exciting special shows and theme pavilions, and the award ceremonies. Around 35,000 visitors from the consumer and industrial goods industry are expected to attend.

The central theme describes the current strong trends affecting the European packaging industry. High expectations in terms of sustainability paired with new packaging regulations, increasing digitalization, and artificial intelligence are just three of the driving topics at FACHPACK 2024.

FACHPACK provides a compact yet comprehensive overview of the range of products and services for the packaging process chain for industrial and consumer goods. This means packaging, the associated technology, and the accompanying processes. This year it occupies eleven exhibition halls. 47 percent of exhibitors are traveling to Nuremberg from abroad, primarily from Austria and Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, Greece, the Czech Republic, France, and Turkey.

Around 56 percent of the exhibitors are from the packaging sector, i.e. packaging materials and packaging aids. 44 percent represent the packaging technology segment, i.e. packaging machines, labeling technology, and automation. The packaging printing and finishing as well as internal logistics segments will also be presented at FACHPACK.

Solutions for the Packaging Industry

After some challenging years, FACHPACK is back as the industry knows and appreciates it: 1,463 exhibitors in eleven halls, including all the big names in the packaging industry, but also many smaller, medium-sized companies that find their customers here. “For three days, we will once again experience the special hands-on mentality of this industry and feel its impetus. We are facing the current changes in the packaging industry with optimism and a focus on solutions,” says Slotta.

Presentations at the Pulse of the Industry

FACHPACK sees itself as a catalyst for innovation in the industry. In addition to the extensive product exhibition, this is also reflected in the lecture program of the PACKBOX (Hall 4), INNOVATIONBOX (Hall 2) and SOLPACK 5.0 (Hall 3) forums. All three will address current industry topics, such as PPWR regulations, the circular economy, automation and AI, as well as alternative packaging solutions and new fiber raw materials.

Industry Development for 2025

The results of a recent survey of German packaging industry associations show that the packaging industry is being driven in particular by the weakening economy and growing regulatory requirements. However, according to the associations, an initial recovery of the economic situation in Germany is noticeable. Confidence and optimism are emerging for 2025. “As an industry platform, FACHPACK can support the packaging industry with its challenges. Together, ideas and solutions can be developed on how to promote the economic success of the industry. A trade fair that represents an entire industry can achieve more than individual companies alone,” says Slotta.

According to the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, a positive overall trend is expected for the second half of 2024. The Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen (IK) expects a slight economic recovery for the second half of 2024. The Industrieverband Papier- und Folienverpackung e. V. (IPV) sees great opportunities in the strong trend towards lightweight, customizable, and easily recyclable packaging. In the folding carton segment, the possibility of an upturn is seen in the future substitution of petrochemical-based packaging with fiber-based recycled packaging. According to the German Association for Wooden Packaging, Pallets, and Export Packaging (HPE), business is expected to pick up slightly from fall 2024. In the container glass sector, the Bundesverband Glasindustrie e. V. expects the situation to stabilize further over the course of 2024. The German Association of the Corrugated Board Industry (VDW) expects a gradual recovery process in 2024.