SAVE FOOD Expert Talks at interpack on 12 May

The SAVE FOOD Expert Talks at interpack on 12 May 2026 bring together international organisations, multinational companies, and global and regional initiatives that showcase how packaging protects food, strengthens sustainability, and drives change in practice. The focus of the forum will be on regulatory developments, sustainable packaging solutions, global cooperation and effective approaches to reducing food losses along the entire value chain.

One of the highlights of the SAVE FOOD Forum will be the two moderated panels with eight leading experts from across the globe.

Panel 1: Global packaging in transition

This panel will be moderated by Dr Johannes Bergmair CPP, General Secretary, World Packaging Organisation, and will discuss how packaging systems can be further developed to meet sustainability goals, while at the same time protecting food along the entire value chain. The panellists Michael Schmidt, Deputy Head of UNIDO’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office Germany; Myriam Annette, Food Engineer, FAO; Nerida Kelton, Vice President Sustainability & Save Food, World Packaging Organisation; Andrea Eppert, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH; and Ivania Portillo-Elzer, Senior Project Manager Processing & Packaging, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, represent the five international organisations that are the official partners in the SAVE FOOD initiative.

The panellists will discuss one of the most pressing challenges facing the industry, finding the balance between packaging waste and food waste. Against the backdrop of growing regulatory requirements and rising expectations for more responsible solutions, innovation, cooperation and international alignment are moving more strongly than ever into focus. The panellists will discuss how international frameworks, policy alignment, design standards, systemic programs and strong partnerships can accelerate this transition and open up new opportunities — with packaging as a key lever in reducing food loss and waste.

Panel 2: Turning packaging into a food saver

This panel will be moderated by Nerida Kelton, Vice President Sustainability & Save Food, World Packaging Organisation and will focus on practical industry solutions and concrete best practices. The four leading experts — Elsabe Matthee, Technical Director, Foundation FSSC, Dr Johannes Epple CFO, MULTIVAC Group, Sandra Hallaschka, Project lead, SIG Foundation’s ‘Cartons for Good’ initiative and Dirk Urra, Global Business Development at Kühne+Nagel Expo & Events — will discuss how packaging innovation, smart logistics and cross-sector collaboration can help better protect food along the entire supply chain. From extending shelf life and maintaining the cold chain to improving distribution efficiency, the session will highlight how different stakeholders across the value chain can work together. In this way, packaging becomes an effective tool for reducing food loss & waste.

During the forum the winners will be announced for the annual SAVE FOOD Awards and the project competition. 

Tuesday, 12 May | 10.30 am–1.00 pm | Room 14, Hall 1

To find out more, visit here.

Image credit: iStock.com/changju kang