interpack 2026: the technologies to watch

As interpack returns with a wave of automation, inspection, filling, coding and sustainable packaging breakthroughs, suppliers across the value chain are unveiling technologies designed to help food and drink manufacturers tackle labour shortages, regulatory pressure, SKU complexity and sustainability targets.

Across the show floor, several themes dominate: aseptic precision, smart automation, circular packaging, line efficiency, and data‑driven quality assurance. Below is a category-by-category breakdown of the most relevant launches for food and beverage producers.

1. Filling, dosing & aseptic technologies

Ampack – Low‑foam aseptic bottle filling
Hall 6, Booth B29
Ampack introduces a new low‑foam dosing technology for aseptic bottle filling, designed for sensitive liquid foods such as clinical nutrition, baby food and drinkable meals.

• A piston plunges into the bottle and guides product along the inner wall, dramatically reducing foam and improving fill accuracy.
• Throughputs reach up to 36,000 bottles/hour.
• Integrated into the FBL linear bottle filling machine, suitable for HDPE, PP and PET bottles.

Implications for F&B: higher accuracy, fewer rejects, and more stable aseptic production for high‑value nutritional products.

2. Inspection, weighing & quality assurance

Minebea Intec – Customised inspection & weighing solutions
Hall 11, Booth G73
Minebea Intec positions itself firmly against “standard” solutions, showcasing tailored weighing, metal detection, X‑ray and checkweighing systems designed for complex food applications.

• Focus on custom engineering for challenging product geometries, hygiene zones and line layouts.
• New innovations include enhanced foreign body detection, hygienic design upgrades and improved data connectivity.

Implications: manufacturers with non‑standard products or space constraints gain more flexibility and better compliance with retailer audits.

Bizerba – integrated end‑of‑line inspection ecosystem
Hall 14, Booth C55
Bizerba unveils a fully automated end‑of‑line system combining weight control, labelling, case handling and palletising, plus a new generation of iXH X‑ray with AI‑assisted detection.

• New metal detector surpassing typical industry standards.
• LeakSecure CO₂‑based leak detection for MAP packs.
• BRAIN2 software for OEE, traceability and digital QA.

Implications: stronger brand protection, reduced recalls, and more robust QA for chilled, MAP and high‑risk foods.

3. Coding, marking & traceability
Linx Printing Technologies – New CIJ Printer Series
Hall 8B, Booth C59
Linx launches a new CIJ printer range, plus previews a next‑gen large‑character printer for corrugated.

• Laser coders (UV, CO₂, fibre) for high‑speed, permanent marking.
• Thermal transfer printers for flexible packaging.

Implications: better code quality on recyclable mono‑material films and improved uptime for high‑volume food lines.

Esko + Partners – end‑to‑end packaging workflow experience
Hall 8B, Stand 8BC14
A one‑hour guided “From Design to Production Line” experience shows how connected data—from artwork to palletisation—reduces errors and accelerates launches.
Partners include Videojet, Amazon Transparency, CarbonQuota, Recyda and others.

Implications: food and beverage brands gain a blueprint for faster NPD, regulatory compliance, and digital product passports.

4. Robotics, automation & line efficiency

Tekpak Automation – pick‑and‑place robotics
Hall 16, Stand A15
Tekpak demonstrates its TD3/R Series 3‑axis robotic pick‑and‑place cell.

• Ideal for trays, cartons, thermoformers and flow‑wrappers.
• ±0.1mm accuracy with vision tracking.
• Tool‑less changeovers and compact footprint.

Implications: a strong option for manufacturers facing labour shortages or needing high‑speed, gentle handling for delicate products.

Lantech – Stretch wrapping & case handling
Hall 13, Stand C47
Lantech showcases:

• SL Automatic Stretch Wrapper with automatic roll change (up to 110 loads/hour).
• C1000 Case Erector for perfectly square cases.
• QL400XT Semi‑Automatic Wrapper with patented XT Cut & Clamp.
• Parcel Pack system for e‑commerce‑ready trays.

Implications: reduced film use, fewer stoppages, and more reliable pallet loads for beverage, dairy and ambient foods.

Sidel – Complete lines &high‑speed robotics
Hall TBC (Food, Home & Personal Care focus)
Sidel highlights complete line expertise plus two major equipment debuts:

• Cermex RoboSELEX robotic collating system (up to 320 products/min).
• RoboAccess_Pal S compact palletiser with new elevating column (up to 2200mm pallet height).
• Aseptic innovations including Aseptic Predis X4.

Implications: higher agility for producers managing SKU proliferation, lightweight bottles and frequent changeovers.

5. Flexible packaging, films & sustainability

Innovia Films – Mono‑Material PP for PPWR Compliance
Hall 9, Stand F04
Innovia unveils a new generation of mono‑material BOPP films to replace PET, foil and multimaterial laminates.
Key launches include:

• Encore recycled‑content film range.#Ultra‑high‑barrier metallised PP films.
• Transparent retort‑grade barrier films.
• PP alternatives to yoghurt banderoles and PP lidding films.

Implications: a clear pathway for brands to meet PPWR recyclability and recycled‑content targets without sacrificing barrier performance.

Greiner Packaging – Circular Packaging Solutions
Hall TBC

• Under “Driving the Circular rEVOLUTION,” Greiner showcases:
• K3 r100 self‑separating cardboard‑plastic packaging.
• CUBO square cup for transport efficiency.
• Click In mono‑material sealing lid replacing foil + snap‑on lids.
• New health‑sector packaging solutions.

Implications: lower CO₂, easier consumer recycling, and reduced packaging components for dairy, desserts and ready meals.

PakTech – rHDPE Multipack Handles & Applicators
Hall 7A, Booth B02
PakTech promotes 100% recycled, fully recyclable rHDPE handles for beverages, dairy, sauces and personal care.

• Handles withstand humidity and temperature swings in EU supply chains.
• Applicators (CCA 120/180, MicroPak) support high‑speed application.

Implications: a durable, circular alternative to cardboard carriers with strong LCA advantages.

6. Pouching, form‑fill‑seal & confectionery processing

Bartelt (ProMach) – MAG‑R HFFS in Duplex Mode
Hall 13, Booth A75
Bartelt debuts the MAG‑R HFFS machine in duplex mode, doubling pouch output.

• Magnetic linear motion for gentle product settling.
• Compatible with Doy, Delta Pac, gusset and rollstock formats.
• Eco‑friendly film compatibility.

Implications: higher throughput for snacks, powders, cheese, confectionery and dry mixes.

TNA Solutions – Next‑Gen Mogul Enhancements
Hall 14, Stands C56 & D56
TNA previews innovations for jelly, gummy, marshmallow and liquorice production:

• New starch‑handling system reducing dust and waste.
• In‑line tray weighing for real‑time weight control.
• Faster changeovers via CIP hoppers and redesigned piston valves.
• Top‑driven pump architecture for precision depositing.

Implications: higher OEE, reduced giveaway, and improved hygiene for high‑mix confectionery lines.

What it all means
Across the show, several strategic trends emerge:

1. Aseptic and hygienic precision is accelerating
Critical for baby food, clinical nutrition, dairy and functional beverages.

2. Automation is becoming modular, compact and easier to integrate
Robotics and smart palletising are now accessible even for mid‑sized plants.

3. Sustainability is shifting from aspiration to compliance
Mono‑material PP, rHDPE, and self‑separating packaging directly support PPWR readiness.

4. Inspection is becoming AI‑driven and more accurate
Reducing recalls and improving retailer compliance.

5. Data is the new backbone of packaging operations
From digital product passports to OEE dashboards, connected workflows are now essential.