The packaging machinery sector has proved to be a robust anchor of German industry, even in times of crisis. Nevertheless, the upheavals in the international environment have not left the industry untouched. It is therefore all the more important for manufacturers to position themselves for the future — technologically, organisationally and strategically. Technology, cooperation and proximity to customers are key factors in securing their long-term competitiveness.
This is exactly where PMC 2026 comes in. The conference is jointly organised by FACHPACK, Ultima Media with the trade magazine neue verpackung, and Packaging Valley. Now in its third edition, the event will be held at the Nuremberg exhibition centre for the first time. This collaboration broadens the industry platform and brings it closer to key players in the European packaging industry.
Customers of German packaging machinery manufacturers are increasingly investing in efficient and integrated line solutions. The aim is to increase productivity and flexibility and to better align packaging processes with changing requirements.
Automation is gaining importance on two levels. On the one hand, robotics and modular machine concepts are becoming increasingly relevant. On the other, data-driven optimisation is becoming more important: machine conditions need to be recorded, processes analysed and interventions controlled proactively.
This raises key questions: How can machines be designed in a more modular way? How can alternative packaging materials be processed? What role do servitization, digital services and AI applications play? And how can regulatory requirements be translated into viable machine and software concepts?
The Packaging Machinery Conference 2026 places these topics in the context of the entire value chain. The focus is not on abstract visions of the future, but on concrete approaches that can be implemented in projects, investment decisions, partnerships and roadmaps.
The agenda covers topics including the digital product passport, AI as an enabler of new business models, AI in mechanical engineering, wireless communications, platform strategies, CRA compliance in packaging machinery, emerging markets as drivers of innovation, and market access for German machinery manufacturers in China. The full conference programme is available online at: https://www.packaging-machinery-conference.de/programm/
One particular added value of the conference lies in the direct exchange between the different stakeholders. Machinery manufacturers, the packaging industry, automation experts, engineers, researchers, designers, decision-makers and users come together at the event. This dialogue is becoming increasingly important, especially as requirements relating to sustainability, the circular economy, new materials and regulatory provisions become more complex.
Machinery manufacturers gain inspiration for the next generation of machines — from modularisation and software architectures to data-based services and AI use cases. Suppliers and component manufacturers gain first-hand insights into the requirements machinery manufacturers place on drives, sensors and control technology.
PMC 2026 is also particularly relevant for decision-makers from the FMCG and pharmaceutical sectors who want to future-proof their production and packaging processes. Direct exchange with machinery manufacturers, technology providers and developers makes it possible to assess and actively shape investment decisions, efficiency improvements, the flexibilisation of production lines, AI applications and regulatory requirements at an early stage.
Only this holistic perspective leads to solutions that can stand the test of the market. At the same time, development cycles can be shortened and misguided developments avoided. “When all stakeholders sit down together at an early stage, more robust decisions emerge — and this is precisely the understanding we want to promote with the Packaging Machinery Conference,” says Philip Bittermann, Editor-in-Chief of neue verpackung.
PMC deliberately focuses on presentations with practical relevance. After two days, decision-makers should leave not only with new impressions, but with actionable impulses for their companies.
Networking formats, including an evening programme, will also promote personal exchange. Especially at a time when technological development, market requirements and regulatory provisions are becoming more closely intertwined, direct dialogue can become the starting point for new project partnerships.
The Packaging Machinery Conference 2026 is thus positioning itself as a practice-oriented industry platform for companies that do not merely want to observe the packaging machinery sector, but actively help shape it.
Tickets for the Packaging Machinery Conference 2026 are available at: https://www.messe-ticket.de/Nuernberg_SHOP/PMC26/Shop
