Hispack, the leading packaging, processing and logistics trade show in the Iberian market and one of the foremost events of its kind in Europe, is preparing to celebrate its 20th edition and 45 years of history from 4 to 7 May 2027 at the Gran Via venue. With a broader offering, greater international reach and new content, Fira de Barcelona’s event will showcase the latest developments in materials, machinery, processes, automation and packaging solutions for a wide range of industries. All this comes at a time of profound regulatory, technological and sustainability-driven transformation in the packaging sector.
The 2027 edition aims to continue the growth trajectory of recent years and to strengthen the show’s cross‑sector positioning. At the recent formation of the organising committee, chaired by Jordi Bernabeu, Director of Markem‑Imaje for Southern Europe, the strong commitment of Spain’s packaging ecosystem was underlined, which views Hispack as a key platform for innovation and sector-wide networking.
According to Jordi Bernabeu, “Hispack 2027 will be a particularly significant edition. We look back with pride on the show’s 20 editions, but above all we want to look ahead. Packaging is going through a period of change, and our aim is to consolidate Hispack as the space where this evolution becomes visible, where the sector grows and where conversations take place that have a real impact on industry and society.”
Greater offering and representativenessHispack 2027 is working to enhance the quality and representativeness of its commercial offering, reflecting the dynamism of a rapidly expanding market. The objective is to exceed 900 exhibitors — 10% more than in 2024 — and to increase the presence of leading companies across five key sectors: industrial packaging; packaging for manufacturers and brands; processing and packaging machinery; labelling and bottling; and logistics, robotics and automation. More than a quarter of participating companies are expected to be international.
The evolution of the offering will also be reflected in the balance between machinery and packaging materials and solutions, each accounting for 50% of the total. This confirms the show’s ability to integrate proposals aligned with new market demands. In addition, areas such as automation, robotics and intralogistics will continue to gain prominence, in line with current requirements for efficiency, traceability and sustainability.
At the same time, Hispack will take place alongside Graphispag, the leading trade fair for the graphic arts industry, with which it shares common origins and a long-standing history. This event will bring a further hundred exhibitors, generating synergies in design, printing, labelling, coding and graphic and visual communication solutions for packaged products and Point‑of‑Sale Advertising (POS). Together, the two events are expected to attract more than 1,000 exhibitors and 37,000 visitors, 15% of whom will be international.
Knowledge, cross‑sector dialogue and networkingThe show’s content programme (conferences, panel discussions and presentations) will build on the qualitative leap achieved in the last edition and will continue to highlight key packaging challenges such as sustainability, eco‑design, digitalisation, innovation in materials, energy efficiency, smart logistics and the deployment of new technologies applied to packaging processes.
Hispack will address these challenges from the perspective of user industries, giving a voice to professionals from sectors including food and drink, perfumery, cosmetics, automotive, construction, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, among others. International best‑in‑class case studies will also be presented once again, showcasing how packaging can act as a driver of transformation and serve as a source of inspiration for the Spanish market.
The regulatory context will be another major focal point at Hispack 2027. The entry into force, six months prior to the event, of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR) will mark a turning point for the entire value chain. The regulation requires all packaging to be reusable or recyclable by 2030, restricts certain substances and heavy metals, strengthens mandatory registration in national registers and establishes compulsory minimum levels of recycled content by material type. In addition, it introduces a mandatory recyclability classification system and a phased implementation timetable that will directly influence demand for the solutions on display at the show.
A landmark anniversary, looking to the futureCelebrating its 20th edition represents a major milestone for Hispack and will be accompanied by a commemorative programme highlighting the sector’s cross‑cutting nature and economic relevance, as well as the social impact of packaging as an essential driver of progress.
The trade show’s director, Xavier Pascual, emphasises the importance of the sector’s collective commitment to the event: “The level of engagement of the packaging ecosystem with Hispack is extraordinary. When a sector mobilises in this way, important things happen. In this edition, we want to showcase the real contribution that packaging makes to society and demonstrate that our sector not only drives industry, but also helps to build the future.”
Among the anniversary activities, a gala dinner at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) stands out, bringing together more than 400 guests, including executives from leading companies, professional associations and institutional representatives from both the packaging industry and its client sectors.
A commemorative book is also in preparation, along with a tribute event recognising the individuals and companies that have shaped Hispack’s trajectory — from its origins linked to Graphispag in the 1960s and 1970s, through its first thematic edition in 1972, to its separation from the graphic arts show and the adoption of the definitive name Hispack in 1983. Initially held on a biennial basis, the trade show adopted a three‑year cycle from 2006 onwards, consolidating a model that has since strengthened its international profile and leadership.
This historical perspective will be combined with a forward‑looking approach through a multidisciplinary initiative entitled “The Skin of Society”, which will connect packaging with culture, science, health, anthropology and art. The programme will bring together leading voices to explain how packaging has accompanied technological, logistical and consumer‑driven advances.