EMPACK DortmundTranslation site

EMPACK Dortmund is one of Germany’s leading trade fairs dedicated to packaging innovations for primary and secondary packaging, as well as packaging processes and technologies. Organized by Easyfairs, it takes place annually in Dortmund, in the North Rhine-Westphalia region — one of Europe’s biggest hubs for manufacturing, logistics, and consumer goods.

As part of the wider EMPACK packaging series (with editions in Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Madrid), EMPACK Dortmund focuses specifically on the needs of German and Central European industries, offering a platform for suppliers of packaging materials, machinery, labeling solutions, and sustainable innovations to connect with manufacturers, brand owners, and logistics providers.

Overview & Mission

EMPACK Dortmund’s mission is to showcase the latest solutions in packaging that protect products, enhance branding, and meet sustainability goals. It brings together:

• Suppliers of primary packaging (direct contact with the product, e.g., bottles, pouches, blister packs)
• Providers of secondary packaging (grouping and protecting primary packages, e.g., cartons, shrink film, trays)
• Innovators in packaging machinery, automation, labeling, closing & sealing, and printing
• Experts in sustainable materials, circular economy solutions, and resource efficiency

The event enables professionals to discover technologies that improve production efficiency, reduce material use, ensure product safety, and respond to growing regulatory and consumer demands for eco-friendly packaging.

Event Snapshot (2026 Edition)

• Dates: September 23–24, 2026 (two-day format)
• Venue: Westfalenhallen Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
• Theme: “Smart & Sustainable Packaging for a Changing World”
• Attendance: 5,000+ trade visitors from Germany and neighboring countries
• Exhibitors: 300+ companies from packaging manufacturing, machinery, materials, and service sectors
• Exhibition Space: Focused specialist area within the Westfalenhallen complex

Key Exhibition Areas

1. Primary Packaging

• Bottles, jars, tubes, blister packs, pouches, films, and containers for food, pharma, cosmetics, and industrial products
• Innovative materials (biodegradable, recyclable, mono-materials)
• Dosage and dispensing systems

2. Secondary Packaging

• Cartoning machines, shrink wrappers, stretch film systems, tray sealers
• Case packers, palletizers, multipacks, and collation shippers
• Protective packaging for transport and retail display

3. Packaging Machinery & Automation

• Filling, forming, sealing, labeling, and coding equipment
• Robotics and Industry 4.0 integration for smart packaging lines
• Inspection systems for quality control and traceability

4. Labeling & Coding

• Self-adhesive labels, sleeve labeling, inks, and printing technologies
• Coding, marking, and serialization solutions for compliance and anti-counterfeiting

5. Sustainable Packaging Solutions

• Recyclable, compostable, and reusable packaging innovations
• Lightweighting technologies to reduce material consumption
• Circular economy models and closed-loop systems

6. Services & Auxiliary Materials

• Packaging design consultancy, testing labs, and certification services
• Adhesives, coatings, inks, and barrier materials

Event Highlights

1. Innovation Showcase

Highlighting cutting-edge developments in smart packaging (RFID, QR codes, interactive labels) and sustainable materials (bioplastics, paper-based alternatives, reusable systems).

2. Expert-Led Conference Program

Seminars and panel discussions on:

• Regulatory changes in packaging (EU Packaging Directive, German VerpackG)
• Trends in e-commerce packaging and logistics efficiency
• Life-cycle analysis and carbon footprint reduction in packaging
• Digitalization and automation in packaging lines

3. Live Demonstrations

Real-time operation of packaging machinery, filling systems, and labeling units, allowing visitors to assess speed, flexibility, and ease of integration.

4. Networking & Business Matchmaking

Dedicated meeting zones and scheduled B2B matchmaking to connect suppliers with brand owners, manufacturers, and logistics firms seeking new packaging solutions.

Target Audience

• Brand Owners & Manufacturers: Food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, and consumer goods producers
• Packaging Designers & Engineers: Specialists developing innovative packaging concepts
• Production & Operations Managers: Responsible for packaging line efficiency and compliance
• Logistics & Supply Chain Professionals: Focusing on transport packaging and warehouse optimization
• Retailers & E-Commerce Fulfillment Centers: Looking for sustainable and protective shipping solutions
• Sustainability Officers: Driving eco-design and circular economy initiatives

Market Significance

Germany is Europe’s largest packaging market, with strong emphasis on quality, precision engineering, and environmental responsibility. North Rhine-Westphalia, home to Dortmund, hosts a dense concentration of manufacturing and logistics firms needing advanced packaging to compete globally. EMPACK Dortmund provides a focused venue for regional industries to source solutions that:

• Improve production efficiency and reduce downtime
• Meet stringent EU and German packaging regulations
• Align with corporate sustainability targets and consumer demand for greener packaging

Sustainability Commitment

Reflecting industry trends, EMPACK Dortmund promotes:

• Use of recyclable exhibition materials and waste separation
• Showcasing exhibitors with certified sustainable solutions
• Encouraging digital brochures and reduced printed matter