IPACK-IMA and Pharmintech 2025: a success based on concrete innovation

Growing numbers, strengthened processing, and strong internationalization are the main new developments.

With a 2025 edition exceeding all expectations, IPACK-IMA has confirmed its position as the leading international event for process technologies, packaging solutions, and new materials across both food and non-food sectors. The exhibition, which ended on May 30 after four dynamic days of business and networking, recorded an exceptional increase in numbers compared to its previous edition in 2022, — with international exhibitors more than doubling (over 400 companies) and a 51% increase in foreign visitors — reaffirming its role as a strategic hub for industrial innovation.

The strategic alliance between IPACK-IMA and Pharmintech has once again proven successful, enhancing an effective synergy and strengthening a collaboration capable of delivering concrete results through the integration of complementary industrial sectors.

Smart factories take centre stage

Three complete lines —focused on flexible packaging, beverages, and coffee — showcased the most advanced technologies on the market in action. A steady stream of professionals closely followed every stage, demonstrating the demand for tangible and effective solutions. The live demos highlighted a strategic value: collaboration among competitors is not only possible but also appreciated by the market.

Processing levels up

While packaging has traditionally been the core of the event, the 2025 edition saw significant growth in the processing sector, featuring global players from the food, non-food, and pharmaceutical industries. This synergy enriches the offering and reflects the increasing integration between processing and packaging.

More than an event, an experience

In a welcoming, vibrant setting like the Fiera Milano exhibition centre, IPACK-IMA successfully combined opportunities for business and networking alongside technology and vision, making the trade fair experience truly engaging. Visitors, buyers, and exhibitors shared business opportunities, but also a culture of innovation that brings together mechanics and design, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, new materials and automation.

International reach and upcoming events

After the success of 2025, the IPACK-IMA journey continues with a strategic international vision based on solid partnerships. Activities will be resuming in June with the partnership with INFORMA Markets and participation in ProPak Asia, the first step towards an expanding global presence. The next stage, in 2026, will be the launch of Bevertech, a new initiative born from synergy with UIV (Italian Wine Union) and running concurrently with Simei winemaking fair, designed to anticipate the evolutions and needs of the liquid food & beverage sector.

We have outperformed the 2018 numbers, our historic benchmark, but the real success of the fair is reflected by the quality of the connections created. The synergy between exhibitors and visitors and - even more significantly – among often competing companies, has generated a high-impact experience, proving that shared innovation multiplies value, effectiveness, and competitiveness - Simone Castelli, CEO of IPACK-IMA.

 

In a rapidly changing market, IPACK-IMA has proven to be a reliable and reputable platform, capable of offering tools to understand the market, genuine business opportunities, and a vision of the future. An ecosystem that not only interprets change but also accelerates innovation and development along the entire supply chain - Valerio Soli, chair of IPACK-IMA.

The Innovation Alliance

Once again, IPACK-IMA was part of The Innovation Alliance - the partnership that brings together four trade shows: GreenPlast, IPACK-IMA, Print4All, and INTRALOGISTICA ITALIA. The recently concluded edition welcomed 108,458 industry professionals from 143 countries and 1,857 exhibitors (39% international), confirming the value of the collaborative approach between the exhibitions.

The next IPACK-IMA will be running from 29 May to 1 June 2028.