What major trends will Pharmapack 2026 be putting in the spotlight this year?
Pharmapack 2026 is focusing on six key themes that address the pharmaceutical packaging industry’s most pressing challenges. Sustainability and ESG initiatives take centre stage as companies shift from basic compliance to implementing genuine circular economy principles. The event will also highlight CDMO partnering strategies, reflecting the pharmaceutical industry’s growing reliance on outsourced manufacturing – a trend that’s accelerated significantly in recent years.
Artificial intelligence integration represents another major focus area, as AI is revolutionising everything from design processes to quality control and production methodologies. The event will showcase advanced packaging technologies, particularly smart packaging solutions and connected health innovations that improve patient engagement and safety. Device innovation, especially next-generation drug delivery systems, will feature prominently alongside comprehensive coverage of regulatory compliance challenges as companies navigate an increasingly complex global regulatory landscape.
This comprehensive approach reflects Pharmapack’s unique positioning as the gathering place for “Europe’s pharma packaging’s most influential minds.”
What new themes or innovations are you expecting to draw the strongest interest from attendees?
The intersection of sustainability and technology is generating fantastic excitement among attendees this year. Biopolymer innovations are leading the charge, with companies demonstrating plant-based packaging alternatives that maintain the rigorous protection standards pharmaceutical products require. Smart packaging integration is another major attraction, featuring IoT sensors, NFC/RFID tags, and QR codes that enhance product safety and provide unprecedented supply chain transparency.
Circular packaging design concepts are capturing significant attention, particularly initiatives focused on device circularity and innovative approaches to incorporating recycled content. AI-powered quality control systems that offer real-time monitoring capabilities for blister packs and vials are drawing substantial interest from manufacturers looking to boost both efficiency and compliance. Perhaps most exciting are connected health solutions that transform packaging from passive containers into active interfaces that support patient adherence and engagement.
How will Pharmapack 2026 highlight progress in sustainability and reduced plastic use?
Pharmapack 2026 has created a comprehensive sustainability framework through multiple dedicated channels. The event features a dedicated Sustainability Centre that showcases partnerships with organisations like the Alliance to Zero and includes PDA Innovation workshops, providing attendees with practical implementation strategies. Circular economy showcases will demonstrate how pharmaceutical companies are fundamentally rethinking packaging lifecycles, moving away from traditional linear models toward regenerative approaches.
Material innovation displays will highlight breakthrough alternatives that maintain pharmaceutical safety standards while dramatically reducing environmental impact. The event directly addresses the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) that entered into force on February 12, 2025, providing crucial guidance on compliance with requirements for recycled content, environmental labelling, and extended producer responsibility that will be enforced starting August 12, 2026.
Industry collaboration models will showcase how initiatives like the CPHI Sustainability Collective are driving cross-industry progress, demonstrating that meaningful sustainability advances require coordinated efforts across the entire pharmaceutical value chain.
