
EMPACK - The Future of Packaging
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About this event
EMPACK – The Future of Packaging
Dates: 27–28 January 2027
Venue: Messe Zürich
Location: Zürich, Switzerland
Event type: Packaging trade fair / industry exhibition
EMPACK – The future of Packaging is positioned as the unique meeting place for the packaging industry in Switzerland and is presented by the organizers as the country’s largest packaging trade fair. The event is designed to bring together the full packaging value chain—connecting the creative development phase of packaging with the technical packaging and filling process, including packaging machines and related solutions.
Across its exhibition areas, EMPACK focuses on the practical and industrial components of packaging innovation. Attendees can explore end-to-end coverage of the sector, including packaging materials and substrates, primary/secondary/tertiary packaging formats, and technology spanning packaging processing machinery and full packaging lines. The fair also highlights packaging services such as design, development, consulting, contract packaging, recycling, and software/business services for outsourcing requirements.
EMPACK is explicitly described as a “must” for decision-makers seeking innovative, sustainable solutions and new technologies in packaging. With its industry-facing programming features and dedicated visitor experience tools (such as digital matchmaking and a visitor app), the event is structured to support meaningful business conversations—helping buyers and industry professionals connect with exhibitors and solution providers across the packaging ecosystem.
What the event covers (value chain and exhibition areas)
- Materials: packaging materials, substrates, and consumables aimed at optimizing protection, improving durability, and reducing costs, weight, and waste.
- Packaging: primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions.
- Technology: packaging processing machinery and packaging lines, including systems for weighing, packaging, filling, labelling, and even quality control equipment.
- Packaging services: regional services in design, development, consulting, contract packaging, recycling, and outsourcing-related software and business services.
Why it matters for packaging decision-makers
EMPACK’s overall positioning centers on delivering a concentrated, Switzerland-based industry platform where decision-makers can evaluate new technologies, compare solution approaches, and source innovations that support sustainability and operational efficiency. By combining packaging development, machinery/automation elements, and service providers under one industry roof, the event aims to accelerate networking and collaboration across packaging functions and specialties.
Note: The organizer also issues a public notice regarding fraudsters claiming affiliation, emphasizing that they do not maintain business partnerships with such companies and do not share data with third parties.
Data sheet
| Event Name | EMPACK - The Future of Packaging |
| Event Date | 27–28 January 2027 |
| Event Status | Upcoming |
| Venue | Messe Zürich |
| City | Zurich |
| State / Region | Zurich |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Organizer | Easyfairs |
| Official Event Website | empack-schweiz.ch |
| Event Type | Trade fair / industry exhibition |
| Primary Category | Packing & Packaging |
| Secondary Applicable Categories | Industrial Engineering; Logistics & Transportation; Food & Beverages; Medical & Pharma; IT & Technology |
| Audience Reach | National with strong cross-border relevance for DACH and broader European packaging stakeholders |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. |
| Attendance Data Reliability | Medium for event scope and positioning; low for visitor volume because no current-year figure is publicly confirmed |
| Main Purpose of Event | To showcase packaging materials, packaging technologies, filling and labelling systems, packaging services, and innovation across the packaging value chain |
EMPACK is Switzerland’s largest packaging trade fair and a focused meeting point for the packaging industry. The official positioning highlights the full packaging value chain, spanning materials, primary/secondary/tertiary packaging, processing machinery, filling and labelling systems, quality control, recycling, software, and packaging-related services.
The event matters because packaging decisions are increasingly tied to sustainability, automation, cost efficiency, product protection, and regulatory compliance. It attracts decision-makers, technical specialists, procurement teams, and commercial buyers looking for innovation in packaging materials, machinery, and service models, making it suitable for B2B lead generation, supplier qualification, and market-entry outreach.
| Buyer / Attendee Segment | Typical Organizations | Buying Role or Influence | Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procurement and sourcing teams | Manufacturers, consumer goods firms, food producers, pharma companies | Specification, supplier selection, RFP leadership | High-value targets for packaging materials, equipment, and contract packaging services |
| Operations and plant leaders | Packaging plants, filling operations, co-packers, production sites | Operational improvement, throughput, line efficiency | Important for machinery, automation, quality control, and integration suppliers |
| Packaging engineering and R&D teams | Brand owners, industrial producers, innovation teams, product development groups | Packaging design, material testing, product launch support | Relevant for sustainable materials, prototyping, and design-to-production vendors |
| Supply chain and logistics teams | Manufacturers, distributors, 3PLs, exporters, importers | Packaging for transport efficiency, warehousing, and damage reduction | Relevant for tertiary packaging, palletization, tracking, and warehouse-ready solutions |
| Quality, compliance, and regulatory teams | Pharma, food, cosmetics, industrial goods | Packaging compliance, traceability, product safety | Strong relevance for labeling, inspection, serialization, and data capture tools |
| Retail and private-label buyers | Retail chains, supermarkets, consumer brands, e-commerce operators | Package format, shelf impact, cost and sustainability trade-offs | Relevant for packaging design, displays, consumer-facing packaging, and logistics packaging |
| Contract packers and co-packers | Outsourced packaging and filling providers | Equipment purchasing, process optimization, subcontracting decisions | Strong fit for machinery, consumables, software, and service suppliers |
| Consultants and advisors | Packaging consultants, sustainability advisors, engineering consultants | Influence on project specification and vendor shortlisting | Useful multipliers for longer sales cycles and strategic projects |
| Association leaders and media | Industry bodies, trade media, regional networks | Influence, content distribution, and ecosystem visibility | Valuable for brand awareness, thought leadership, and event promotion |
| Geographic Area | Likely Attendee Origin | Buyer Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host city: Zurich | Local and metro-area business attendees | Medium | Strong access to Swiss headquarters, industrial firms, and procurement decision-makers |
| Host region: Canton of Zurich | Regional manufacturers, logistics firms, service providers | High | One of Switzerland’s strongest commercial and industrial regions |
| Nearby business hubs | Basel, Winterthur, St. Gallen, Zug, Lucerne | High | Supports attendance from pharma, industrial, food, and advanced manufacturing clusters |
| National reach | All Swiss-language regions and nationwide buyers | Very High | Official positioning indicates a Switzerland-wide packaging meeting point |
| International reach | DACH region, nearby EU markets, packaging suppliers with Swiss business | Medium | Likely cross-border visitor flow due to Switzerland’s packaging, manufacturing, and pharma ecosystem |
| Trade corridor relevance | Central Europe logistics and export-oriented companies | Medium | Packaging and transport packaging decisions often span Swiss/EU supply chains |
| Reach Level | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| National | Primary classification | The event is positioned as Switzerland’s key packaging trade fair and is expected to draw buyers and suppliers from across the country. |
| Buyer Company / Organization | Buyer Type | Why It Is Relevant | Website | Best Job Titles to Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nestlé | Global food and beverage brand owner | Large packaging spend across food, beverage, and sustainability-led packaging redesigns | nestle.com | Packaging Manager; Procurement Manager; Sustainability Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Migros | Retailer / supermarket group | Packaging standards, private label, distribution efficiency, and sustainability requirements | migros.ch | Category Manager; Procurement Director; Packaging Specialist | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Coop | Retailer / supermarket group | Private-label packaging, retail-ready packaging, and logistics packaging needs | coop.ch | Packaging Buyer; Category Manager; Supply Chain Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Galenica | Healthcare and pharmacy group | Pharma and healthcare packaging, labeling, compliance, and traceability | galenica.com | Procurement Manager; Regulatory Affairs; Packaging Operations Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Roche | Pharmaceutical and diagnostics company | High-compliance packaging, serialization, quality control, and sustainable materials | roche.com | Global Procurement; Packaging Engineering; Quality Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Novartis | Pharmaceutical company | Packaging automation, regulatory packaging, and supply chain resilience | novartis.com | Procurement Lead; Packaging Development; Operations Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Ricola | Food and confectionery brand owner | Consumer packaging, materials, and brand presentation | ricola.com | Packaging Manager; Purchasing Manager; Product Development | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Lindt & Sprüngli | Premium confectionery manufacturer | Premium consumer packaging, sustainability, and shelf appeal | lindt-spruengli.com | Procurement Manager; Packaging Development Manager; Brand Operations | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Emmi | Dairy and food group | Food-grade packaging, shelf life, and cost-efficient materials | emmi.com | Procurement; Packaging Engineer; Supply Chain Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Bell Food Group | Food processing and branded food | Food packaging, automation, traceability, and cost reduction | bellfoodgroup.com | Head of Procurement; Packaging Manager; Operations Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Mettler Toledo | Industrial measurement and inspection technology | Quality control, weighing, inspection, and packaging line integration | mt.com | Operations Director; Procurement Manager; Packaging Line Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Sika | Construction chemicals and industrial materials | Industrial packaging, transport packaging, and materials handling | sika.com | Supply Chain Manager; Packaging Buyer; Operations Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Givaudan | Flavors and fragrances manufacturer | Specialty ingredient packaging, labeling, and supply chain resilience | givaudan.com | Procurement Lead; Packaging Development; Operations Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Barry Callebaut | Chocolate and cocoa manufacturer | Food packaging, sustainability, and global sourcing needs | barry-callebaut.com | Procurement Manager; Packaging Engineer; Supply Chain Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Priority | Job Title / Function | Department | Seniority Level | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Procurement Officer / VP Procurement | Procurement | Executive | Controls sourcing strategy, supplier selection, and budget approvals |
| 2 | Director of Procurement / Strategic Sourcing Manager | Sourcing | Director / Manager | Evaluates materials, machinery, and service vendors |
| 3 | Packaging Development Manager / Packaging Engineer | Packaging / R&D | Manager / Specialist | Defines technical requirements for packaging materials and formats |
| 4 | Supply Chain Director / Logistics Manager | Supply Chain | Director / Manager | Seeks packaging that improves transport efficiency and reduces damage |
| 5 | Operations Director / Plant Manager | Operations | Director / Senior Manager | Oversees packaging line productivity, automation, and throughput |
| 6 | Quality Director / Regulatory Affairs Manager | Quality / Compliance | Director / Manager | Important for compliance-heavy packaging applications |
| 7 | Category Manager / Buying Manager | Commercial / Buying | Manager | Relevant for retail, food, and consumer brands purchasing packaging inputs |
| 8 | Sustainability Manager / ESG Lead | Sustainability | Manager / Director | Drives recyclable, lightweight, and low-carbon packaging initiatives |
| 9 | Product Manager / Brand Manager | Product / Marketing | Manager | Influences packaging decisions linked to product launch and shelf appeal |
| 10 | Contract Packaging / Co-packing Manager | Outsourced Operations | Manager | Purchases equipment, materials, and service solutions for outsourced packaging |
| Priority | Apollo Industry | Why It Fits the Event | Best Buyer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Packaging & Containers | Core industry of the event | Primary target for packaging materials, formats, and packaging innovation |
| 2 | Food & Beverages | Major end-user segment for packaging | Food-grade packaging, shelf life, sustainability, and private label needs |
| 3 | Pharmaceuticals | Packaging compliance and traceability | Serialization, labeling, child-resistance, and quality control solutions |
| 4 | Consumer Goods | Large packaging consumption across branded products | Brand packaging, cost optimization, and sustainability programs |
| 5 | Retail | Private-label and retail-ready packaging opportunities | Category and buying teams sourcing consumer-facing packaging |
| 6 | Logistics & Supply Chain | Transport packaging and operational efficiency | Tertiary packaging, palletization, and warehouse efficiency |
| 7 | Machinery | Packaging equipment and line technology suppliers attend and source here | Filling, labelling, inspection, and automation systems |
| 8 | Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Relevant to packaging line integration and process engineering | Automation, line optimization, and manufacturing systems |
| 9 | Environmental Services | Recycling, circularity, and waste reduction topics are central | Sustainable materials and recovery solutions |
| 10 | Information Technology & Services | Packaging software, traceability, and digital touchpoints | Track-and-trace, workflow, and packaging data solutions |
| 11 | Chemicals | Industrial and specialty material packaging demand | Industrial packaging, transport safety, and compliance |
| 12 | Wholesale | Packaging purchasing and distribution needs | Bulk packaging, corrugated, and logistics-ready formats |
| Metric | Figure | Status | Source / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total footfall | Not publicly confirmed | Confirmed unavailable | Organizer website does not publish a current verified visitor number in the provided content | Use as a lead-generation event without assuming scale |
| Exhibitor count | Not publicly confirmed | Confirmed unavailable | No official count visible in the supplied source text | Check exhibitor list closer to event date |
| Buyer count | Not publicly confirmed | Confirmed unavailable | No verified buyer list provided | Buyer profiles inferred from event purpose and industry mix |
| Speaker count | Not publicly confirmed | Confirmed unavailable | Agenda/speaker roster not included in supplied source text | Check Packaging Talks / agenda page for updates |
| Sponsor count | Not publicly confirmed | Confirmed unavailable | Only “expertise partner” and “premium partner” placeholders appear in source content | No reliable sponsor count can be stated |
| Historical attendance | Prior-year visitor quality was described positively by exhibitors; no count confirmed | Historical / prior-year evidence | Quoted exhibitor testimonials on official site | Useful for qualitative validation only |
| Focus Area | Typical Buyer Need | Buyer Engagement Opportunity | Relevant Supplier Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packaging materials | Cost, protection, sustainability, and performance | Compare materials and qualify suppliers | Films, paper, corrugate, containers, closures |
| Packaging machinery | Automation, throughput, uptime | Demonstrate line efficiency and ROI | Filling, labelling, inspection, cartoning systems |
| Sustainability and circularity | Recyclable and low-carbon packaging | Position eco-design and circular supply-chain benefits | PCR materials, lightweight formats, recycling services |
| Quality control | Defect reduction and compliance assurance | Show inspection, weighing, and traceability tools | Vision systems, checkweighers, scanners |
| Packaging services | Outsourcing design, contract packing, consultancy | Offer turnkey support and outsourcing models | Consulting, co-packing, design, recycling, software |
| Digital traceability | Track-and-trace, quality records, serialization | Show data capture and compliance workflow benefits | Packaging software, labeling systems, QR/serialization tools |
| Factor | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer relevance | Very High | The event is centered on packaging decision-makers, suppliers, and technical buyers. |
| Decision-maker availability | High | Packaging fairs typically attract procurement, operations, engineering, and commercial roles. |
| Data collection potential | High | Exhibitor list, visitor app, and product zones can support lead sourcing closer to the event. |
| Apollo targeting potential | Very High | Clear segmentation by industry, procurement, packaging, operations, and sustainability roles. |
| Geographic targeting potential | High | Strong Swiss and DACH relevance with a focused commercial footprint in Zurich. |
| Best outreach approach | Multi-channel pre-event outreach | Target procurement, packaging engineering, and operations contacts with concise value-led messaging. |
| Overall lead quality | Very High | Strong fit for B2B list-building, supplier discovery, and packaging-focused sales pipelines. |
| Best use case | Lead generation and buyer profiling | Ideal for packaging suppliers, machinery vendors, sustainability solutions, and contract packaging services. |
| Limitations / risks | Attendance counts unconfirmed | No verified current-year attendance, exhibitor, or speaker count was provided in the source text. |
| Filter Type | Recommended Filters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo industries | Packaging & Containers; Food & Beverages; Pharmaceuticals; Consumer Goods; Retail; Logistics & Supply Chain; Machinery; Mechanical or Industrial Engineering; Environmental Services; Information Technology & Services | Capture core buyers and adjacent procurement influence groups |
| Departments | Procurement; Supply Chain; Operations; Packaging; Engineering; Quality; Sustainability; Product; Commercial | Align outreach to functional decision-makers |
| Seniority | Manager; Director; VP; CXO | Prioritize budget holders and specification owners |
| Job titles | Procurement Manager; Packaging Manager; Packaging Engineer; Supply Chain Director; Operations Director; Category Manager; Quality Director; Sustainability Manager; Product Manager; Plant Manager | Improve conversion from event lists and account-based targeting |
| Geography | Switzerland; DACH; Southern Germany; Northern Italy; Austria; Benelux; France border regions | Match likely attendee travel radius and regional supply networks |
| Employee size | 51–200; 201–500; 501–1,000; 1,001–5,000; 5,001+ | Capture both mid-market buyers and large enterprise procurement teams |
| Keywords | packaging, sustainable packaging, procurement, sourcing, labeling, filling, co-packing, packaging machinery, serialization, traceability, recycling | Refine search by function and project intent |
| Technologies | ERP, MES, packaging line automation, traceability software, quality inspection systems | Relevant when selling software, data, automation, or integration services |
| Company type | Brand owner; manufacturer; retailer; distributor; co-packer; contract manufacturer | Focus on true buyers rather than pure suppliers |
| Revenue / funding | Mid-market and enterprise revenue bands; public companies where applicable | Prioritize organizations with recurring packaging spend |
| Source | Type | What It Verified | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMPACK official website | Official organizer source | Event name, theme, dates, venue, packaging focus, audience positioning, exhibition areas, and qualitative testimonials | Very High |
| Easyfairs | Organizer website | Organizer identity and portfolio context | High |
| Messe Zürich | Venue website | Venue identity and city location | High |
| EMPACK visitor app page | Official event page | Confirmed existence of matchmaking / visitor app functionality | High |
| EMPACK trade fair profile page | Official event page | Event scope, audience positioning, and packaging value chain description | Very High |
🎯 Selling to this event's audience? Get a free tailored buyer list
Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to EMPACK - The Future of Packaging — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.