Strong start for drupa 2028 as exhibitors from 38 countries sign up

Print Solutions

Around 18 months ahead of the event, the world's leading trade fair for printing solutions is already demonstrating its global appeal: companies from 38 countries have already registered for drupa 2028 – a strong signal from the international print and packaging industry.

From 9 to 17 May 2028, Düsseldorf will once again be the place to feel the pulse of the industry, experience innovation first hand and explore new business opportunities.

Exhibitor registration remains open until 31 October 2026.

From established global players to emerging newcomers, the exhibitor list already reads like a who's who of the print and packaging industry, spanning the entire value chain. Renowned, long standing exhibitors including Comexi, Esko, Fujifilm, Heidelberg, Horizon, Konica Minolta, Kyocera Document Solutions, Leonhard Kurz, Line O Matic, UPG and Windmöller & Hölscher, among many others, have registered and will showcase their innovations, technology trends, product portfolios and premieres in Düsseldorf from 9 to 17 May 2028. Visitors can look forward to a trade fair experience where complex automated workflows, integrated processes and new technologies can be seen in action in real-world production settings.

The international scope of drupa is already clearly reflected in exhibitor registrations. Alongside Germany, a substantial number of companies from major print and packaging markets, including China, Italy, India, Spain and Japan, will be represented.

‘The current booking figures, particularly the high level of international participation, send a strong signal from the market,’ said Sabine Geldermann, director drupa, portfolio print technologies at Messe Düsseldorf. ‘The profiles of exhibitors registered so far reflect the full breadth of the industry – from established technology leaders and highly specialised solution providers to companies operating in emerging technology fields. This is precisely where drupa's strength lies. It brings together the international print and packaging industry across the entire value chain and highlights the technologies, perspectives and partnerships that will shape its future.’

From an industry perspective, the strong international response at this early stage is equally significant. Dr Andreas Pleßke, chairman of the drupa committee, explained: ‘The fact that companies from 38 countries have already committed to drupa 2028 demonstrates the global importance of this platform for our industry. The sector is experiencing a period of rapid technological change. Automation, artificial intelligence and connected production processes are transforming value chains and opening up new business opportunities. This makes an international meeting place all the more important – one where innovations can be experienced not in isolation, but through the interaction of technology, applications and markets. That is exactly what drupa stands for. Visitors can look forward to drupa 2028 introducing entirely new formats that will bring this dynamic transformation to life and showcase the business opportunities it creates.’

drupa 2028 will place greater emphasis on end to end solutions, automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, materials and the circular economy. At the heart of this approach is the integration of hardware, software, data and automated production processes into interconnected systems.

At the same time, drupa is opening up to a wider range of stakeholders across the value chain. Alongside technology providers, print service providers and converters, brand owners, designers and the creative industries are gaining greater prominence. The new experience architecture, built around the four clusters grow, create, learn and play, brings together business and solutions, creativity, knowledge transfer and community under one roof.

The supporting programme for drupa 2028 is also taking shape. Stages, interactive formats and knowledge sharing opportunities will bring together technologies, applications and the people behind them. The next generation of industry professionals will also have a more prominent role, with young talents, start ups and emerging technology companies connecting directly with established market players and international decision makers.

Further details of the supporting programme and new formats will be announced in early 2027.

Registration for drupa 2028 remains open until 31 October 2026 at www.drupa.com. Exhibitors who took part in drupa 2024 can use their existing login credentials, while first time exhibitors will be guided through the online process step by step.