Under the theme ‘Flexpack 2030’, the 23rd Inno-Meeting on 24 and 25 February 2026 in Osnabrück addressed key future issues for the flexpack industry. Against the backdrop of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), stricter food contact requirements and the gradual phase-out of PFAS, the focus was on the need for structural transformation among manufacturers. What is needed are high-performance, legally compliant and, at the same time, recyclable packaging solutions.
Brand strategy and digital product development
Initial impetus came from a strategic perspective: brands were identified as a key lever for differentiation, trust and stable margins in a technology- and price-driven market environment. Sustainability expertise, clear positioning and consistent communication are therefore considered prerequisites for success in a regulatory-driven competitive environment.
one.five GmbH demonstrated how innovation cycles can be shortened using data-driven development approaches. With the help of high-throughput data, AI-supported material analysis and reverse engineering, performance parameters can be specifically defined, and suitable material combinations can be digitally evaluated in advance. This reduces trial-and-error loops, lowers R&D costs and accelerates the development of market-ready, sustainable solutions.
Barrier, recycled material and monomaterial
The technological focus was on new barrier systems and the use of recycled materials. The Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) presented advances in plasma-based SiOx coatings for PP films – both on virgin material and post-consumer recyclates. Precisely controlled PECVD processes and multi-layer systems can improve oxygen barriers and reduce migration without compromising recyclability.
Constantia Flexibles Germany GmbH demonstrated practical approaches to combining high-barrier properties with recyclability. The focus was on mono-PE laminates with reduced EVOH content, RecyClass-compliant designs and optimisation potential in advanced mechanical recycling – for example, by avoiding dyed-through or difficult-to-de-ink structures. Corresponding concepts are also being examined for PP.
In terms of materials, the PPWR is also shifting requirements significantly towards recyclable, often PE-based monomaterial structures with defined PCR proportions. Orientation technologies such as MDO/BOPE, compatible barriers and suitable copolymers are considered key levers for balancing performance, machine runnability and food safety.
Product protection, sustainability and life cycle assessment
The Albstadt-Sigmaringen University of Applied Sciences highlighted product-specific requirements using the example of vegan meat and sausage alternatives. Laboratory results show that plant-based products are also sensitive to oxygen and light, albeit less susceptible to oxidation than animal-based products. This results in potential for optimisation in terms of gas barriers, protective fumigation and light protection.
FKuR Kunststoff GmbH addressed fundamental questions of the circular economy. Recyclates and bio-based plastics are important levers, but not the only solution. In addition to CO₂ aspects, sustainability also includes resource efficiency, design for recycling, improved collection and sorting, and the targeted use of biodegradable materials where they make ecological sense.
The IFEU – Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Heidelberg presented a life-cycle assessment of pallet-securing systems. Disposable and reusable solutions were examined, taking into account material use, circulation figures and transport efficiency. The result: lightweight disposable solutions can be ecologically advantageous, while heavy reusable systems cause additional emissions due to higher masses and return transport. A blanket substitution is therefore not effective.
Digitalisation, security and material efficiency
In addition to material and recycling issues, digitalisation played a central role. Approaches to the complete digitalisation of packaging specifications were presented in order to identify data gaps, evaluate recyclability and efficiently map regulatory requirements. The digital product passport is gaining importance as a control instrument for compliance and transparency.
At the same time, the security risks of digital technologies in and on packaging were discussed. QR codes, NFC applications and digital watermarks can represent potential vulnerabilities. Practical examples illustrated the need for action to protect sensitive data and systems.
Material efficiency was the focus of further contributions: chemical blowing agent masterbatches enable the foaming of thin films and PP cups, reduce density, material usage and energy consumption, and at the same time improve optical properties. Winding cores made from up to 100% recycled paper and alternative fibres from cup plant or straw demonstrate additional approaches to CO₂ reduction and resource conservation.
Regulation as an ongoing task
Finally, the increasing complexity of EU regulations for food contact materials was discussed. In addition to the PPWR, a revision of the FCM Framework Regulation, stricter purity and documentation requirements, and possible changes in substance evaluation are on the agenda. The lack of harmonised testing methods and sometimes contradictory requirements further increase uncertainty for companies.
In the accompanying live podcast, industry representatives also discussed recycling rates, CO₂ accounting (Scope 1–3), paper-based high-barrier solutions and the need for close cooperation along the value chain. With a view to implementing the PPWR requirements by 2030, the industry has a narrow window of opportunity for innovation and transformation.
The final survey showed a high willingness to change: more than half of the participants announced that they would be making concrete adjustments to their strategy and working methods in the short term. The 23rd Inno-Meeting thus sent a clear signal for the future direction of the flexpack industry between regulatory pressure and technological development.