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:
- Smart Solutions to Reduce Food Waste – from dynamic shelf-life monitoring to data-enabled inventory optimization
- Connected Consumer Engagement – Using both Tags and QR codes to enable trust, transparency, loyalty and post-purchase value
- Supply Chain Traceability & Authentication – secure and unique identification, anti-counterfeiting, as well as real-time visibility across global networks
These topics are addressed across three core conference tracks:
- Connected Brands & Consumer Experience
- Sustainability & Circular Innovation
- Supply Chain Intelligence & Data Management
A dedicated Workshop on Smart Packaging in Healthcare will also examine safety, compliance, and connected care in regulated environments.
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, 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