By Walid Qorish
At interpack 2026, the “Women in Packaging” initiative returns with stronger global relevance, positioning itself as a key platform for diversity, leadership, and future skills in the packaging industry.
Taking place on 11 May 2026 in Düsseldorf, the event brings together professionals across all career stages—from emerging talents to senior executives—focusing on career development, knowledge exchange, and industry transformation.
A Platform Driving Industry Change
What began as a niche initiative in 2023 has now evolved into a core industry dialogue, reflecting growing recognition that talent diversity is directly linked to innovation and competitiveness in packaging.
The programme combines:
- A keynote session addressing sustainability and industry responsibility
- A high-level international panel sharing diverse leadership perspectives
- Interactive networking formats designed to create real professional connections
Sustainability Meets Talent Development
A central theme is the intersection between sustainability and workforce development. The keynote highlights how packaging plays a critical role in:
- Food safety and supply security
- Reducing waste and environmental impact
- Attracting future talent to the industry
This framing is important—and often underestimated. The sector still struggles with perception, especially among younger generations, despite its strategic importance.
Global Leadership Perspectives
The panel brings together leaders from industry, academia, and global organizations, offering insights on:
- Managing industrial transformation
- Driving innovation across the value chain
- Strengthening international collaboration
- Embedding sustainability into business strategy
This diversity of viewpoints reflects a broader shift: packaging is no longer just an operational function—it is becoming a strategic industry pillar.
From Networking to Structured Knowledge Exchange
A new feature in 2026 is the introduction of “Topic Hubs”, focused discussions covering:
- Career pathways and mentorship
- Personal branding and visibility
- Work-life balance
- Future skills and talent pipelines
- Community and professional networks
These sessions move beyond traditional networking toward structured, outcome-oriented engagement, addressing real career and industry challenges.
Why This Matters for the Industry
The initiative signals a deeper transformation:
- Skills shortages are pushing the industry to rethink talent strategies
- Diversity is becoming a business necessity, not a CSR topic
- Cross-border collaboration is essential in a globalized value chain
Events like this are no longer symbolic—they are becoming mechanisms for shaping the future workforce and leadership of the packaging sector.
Editorial Insight (You Should Consider Adding This Angle)
If you want your magazine to stand out, don’t just report this—challenge it:
The real question is not whether “Women in Packaging” is growing.
It’s whether the industry is translating dialogue into measurable change:
- Are companies adjusting hiring pipelines?
- Are training systems (TVET, universities) aligned with this vision?
- Are leadership roles actually becoming more inclusive?
Without that, these initiatives risk staying at the level of well-branded events rather than structural reform.
