AIPIA & AWA Smart Packaging World Congress 2026

As regulation, data transparency, supply chain and sustainability requirements accelerate, the Congress is designed as a working event for brand owners and their suppliers, helping them to navigate the shift from pilots or limited campaigns to real-world, scalable deployment.

Key topics include “DPP Not for Dummies”, offering a practical deep dive into the EU Digital Product Passport and why smart packaging technologies are a vital component. The Congress will also address the adoption of the GS1 2D Barcode and the implications for supply chain management, authentication and other features offered by this globally recognized standard.  In addition there will be sessions on supply & cold chain intelligence, smart solutions to reduce food waste, and connected packaging for consumer engagement, trust, and transparency.

Beyond compliance, the Congress will explore how smart packaging technologies are being deployed to deliver measurable outcomes and real ROI, including:

• Connected Consumer Engagement – Turning packaging into a media channel using QR codes and smart tags to build loyalty, trust, first-party data capture, and post-purchase interaction.
• Smart Solutions to Reduce Food Waste – Using real-time data and intelligent packaging to protect product integrity while strengthening ESG credibility.
• Supply Chain Traceability & Authentication – Protecting brand equity through secure identification, anti-counterfeiting, and real-time visibility.

These topics are addressed across three core conference tracks:

• Connected Brands & Consumer Experience
• Sustainability & Circular Innovation
• Supply Chain Intelligence & Data Management

A highlight of the Congress is the Brand Challenge 2026, a live, on-stage hackathon where a brand poses a real packaging challenge and solution providers respond in real time.

The 2026 Congress is supported by Identiv, Markem-Imaje, Dracula Technologies, ETI Converting, and Toppan.

More than a conference, the AIPIA & AWA Smart Packaging World Congress serves as a platform for brand owners to learn from peers, challenge assumptions and accelerate implementation. With regulation tightening and expectations rising, the 2026 edition delivers clarity, insight, and practical direction at a critical moment for the packaging industry.

Dates: 20–21 May 2026
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
More information: https://events.awa-bv.com/AIPIA26#/?lang=en