MeetingPack 2026 took place on 21-22 April, bringing together specialists, companies and key stakeholders from the packaging value chain to address the challenges and opportunities posed by the transition toward more sustainable models and explore the latest trends in barrier packaging materials and solutions.

It explored how the European Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR) will shape the way we shop. Everyday actions such as picking up a tray of packaged fruit or buying ready-to-eat food in single-use plastic containers will give way to more sustainable alternatives. This conference showcased what this new model will look like through innovative solutions aligned with the PPWR.

One of the key messages was that the transition is already underway. Faced with the phase-out of many current solutions, such as single-use plastic trays or unnecessary packaging, the sector is developing proposals based on recyclable monomaterial structures, recycled and compostable materials, natural-based sources and reusable systems.

The first technical session focused on innovative materials and processes to produce sustainable packaging. It looked at new extrusion technologies to develop lighter, high-performance films, how barrier materials extend food shelf life, reduce waste and facilitate recycling, and the high upfront costs of industrial solutions for the application of barrier coatings.

The second day examined new business models based on the reuse of plastic packaging and the Reloop and BuddiePack projects which are identifying solutions oriented towards circularity and regulatory compliance. The consensus was that public-private collaboration and investment in R&D are essential for turning the requirements of the new PPWR into a competitive advantage for national industry.

Participants also voted on candidates for the MeetingPack 2026 Awards. The winners were the monomaterial proposal ReKeepEat for the rigid packaging category, and Cryovac, by Sealed Air for professional foodservice solutions, for the flexible packaging category.