Heidelberg showcases itself as a system integrator for packaging at interpack

Packaging Solutions

The global growth in packaging and label printing is a key component of Heidelberg’s corporate strategy for its core business. It is driven by rising prosperity in emerging regions such as Asia and Latin America, stricter regulatory requirements, and a global trend toward more sustainable packaging solutions made of cardboard or paper. Taken together, these factors make the integration of the entire process increasingly important. Against this backdrop, the company will showcase examples of integrated system solutions for transparent, automated, efficient, and sustainable packaging production at interpack 2026, taking place May 7 to 13 in Düsseldorf, in collaboration with partner companies from the packaging industry. These include creative and sustainable applications in the areas of folding cartons and barrier coated flexible paper packaging. Heidelberg is highlighting its expertise as a total solution provider and end to end system integrator across the entire value chain of packaging and label production. Its booth is located in hall 8b, D18.

‘Because Heidelberg possesses comprehensive application expertise and knowledge in the digitalisation of processes, we are able to approach the entire packaging manufacturing process from the perspective of the end product,’ said Dr David Schmedding, chief technology and sales officer.

‘Our exhibition presentation at interpack 2026, together with partners from the packaging industry, demonstrates to brand owners and private label companies the potential for greater automation, efficiency, and transparency in an integrated manufacturing process.’

Heidelberg solutions – including Speedmaster technology for high quality folding carton and label production, the Boardmaster web flexo press for high volume packaging applications, and Gallus’s hybrid inkjet systems for label production – underscore the company’s integration expertise. This also includes finishing, robotics, and intralogistics systems. The Prinect workflow software, which is increasingly being supplemented by AI assistants, plays a central role in the comprehensive networking of systems and processes.

With its presentation at interpack 2026, Heidelberg is taking this a step further and specifically opening its integration model to high performance partner solutions that extend beyond the pure printing process. The goal is to further automate, network, and make the entire packaging production value chain more sustainable. Intelligent, integrated process automation creates measurable added value for packaging producers and brand companies – ranging from higher productivity and transparency to maximum process reliability. The focus is on dynamic growth segments such as pharmaceuticals, food, beverages, and cosmetics, which place high demands on quality, flexibility, and volume – whether for high quality folding cartons, flexible packaging, or labels.

‘At Heidelberg, we have a vision of turnkey end to end packaging production that goes beyond printing,’ said David Schmedding. ‘To achieve this, Heidelberg serves as the expert system integrator across the entire value chain and beyond company boundaries. That is why we are open to additional partners who want to help us realise this vision together.’