May 13, 2026 marks the final day of Interpack 2026 in Dusseldorf, and the message for packaging buyers is clear: sustainability claims are no longer enough. Buyers increasingly need recyclable structures, documented material choices, and suppliers who can support regulatory and commercial evidence.
The trend is especially relevant for flexible packaging, labels, and functional films, where small material decisions can affect recyclability, shelf performance, filling speed, and export compliance. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), together with brand-owner procurement pressure, is turning packaging selection into a more technical purchasing decision.
What changed at Interpack 2026
Industry showcases this week placed strong emphasis on PPWR-compliant packaging concepts, recyclable fiber-based structures, digital quality control, certification, and circular material systems. Suppliers are also presenting recyclable film and fiber structures designed to reduce operating cost while improving end-of-life performance.
For procurement teams, the important point is not whether a material is described as sustainable. The important point is whether the packaging construction can be explained, tested, documented, and repeated across production batches.
Why this matters to buyers
Packaging buyers are now under pressure from three sides: regulation, retail customers, and internal cost control. A lower-cost material is not always lower risk if it creates sealing failures, unclear disposal instructions, weak shelf appeal, or missing compliance documents. A more recyclable material is also not automatically better if it slows the line or reduces barrier performance.
- Flexible pouches need clear laminate structure, barrier targets, seal strength, and filling compatibility.
- Self-adhesive labels need facestock, adhesive, liner, print method, and recyclability fit for the final container.
- Packaging films need thickness tolerance, heat resistance, COF, clarity, and converting performance data.
- Export packaging needs documentation that can be shared with customers, retailers, and compliance teams.
What buyers should request from suppliers now
Before confirming a new structure, buyers should ask suppliers for the material specification, intended recycling stream, test method assumptions, barrier data, food-contact or application declarations where relevant, and a clear explanation of what can be changed without affecting performance.
This is where supplier communication becomes commercially important. A strong supplier should be able to explain why a structure is chosen, not only quote a unit price.
XIYONG buyer takeaway
XIYONG works across flexible packaging, self-adhesive label materials, and packaging films. For buyers preparing 2026 projects, the practical next step is to compare structure, cost, recyclability, and production risk together rather than treating them as separate decisions.
Teams planning new pouch, film, or label specifications can contact XIYONG to review material options, sample requirements, and production constraints before locking a final packaging design.
Sources to watch
- VDMA PPWR-compliant packaging concepts at Interpack 2026
- ProAmpac sustainable packaging innovations at Interpack 2026
- PPWR responsibility shifts and retailer obligations