Interpack 2026 Report: How PPWR Is Driving The Shift Toward Paper Cushioning Solutions？

interpack 2026 will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany from May 7 to May 13, 2026. It has attracted packaging companies, brands, manufacturers, e-commerce platforms, and supply chain procurement professionals from many countries and regions around the world to visit and exchange ideas.

At this year's interpack 2026, the three themes-"smart manufacturing, innovative technology, and future development"-are no longer just concepts. They are already being put into practice by more and more packaging companies. As global environmental regulations continue to tighten, visitors at the show are showing much higher interest in packaging solutions that are "recyclable, reusable, and waste-reducing."

Because of this, paper-based eco-friendly protective packaging has gained strong attention at this exhibition. WiAIR Packaging's honeycomb paper, paper-bubble, 3D honeycomb paper mats, honeycomb paper sleeves, and recyclable paper packaging solutions all received a lot of interest.

This is not just an exhibition. It feels more like a concentrated showcase of future packaging trends. Many companies are also using the event to get an early look at where the global packaging market is heading in the next few years.

More and more customers are starting to look for "eco-friendly packaging"

One very obvious change during this year's exhibition is that for export companies, packaging is no longer just a transportation tool. It is now directly linked to whether a brand can successfully stay in the European market long term.

Because of this, paper-based protective packaging saw a clear rise in popularity at the show. More and more companies are realizing that truly competitive packaging in the future is not just about "protecting the product," but also about balancing sustainability, compliance, shipping efficiency, and brand value.

3D honeycomb paper mats attracted a lot of attention on site

The 3D honeycomb paper mat brought by WiAIR Packaging became one of the main discussion topics at the exhibition. Unlike traditional packaging that relies heavily on fillers, the honeycomb structure actively participates in cushioning and load-bearing. This makes packaging not only more eco-friendly, but also more efficient. Many visitors found that after trying it on site, it not only reduces plastic usage, but also helps optimize packaging space and reduce shipping waste, making sustainability much easier to implement.

Many customers showed strong interest in its load-bearing performance after testing it in person. More companies are realizing that the future of packaging is not just about material replacement, but also about structural and efficiency upgrades. What the honeycomb paper mat represents is a shift from "passive filling" to "active protection."

WiAIR Packaging's 3D honeycomb paper mat technology has already been granted patents in the United States, Germany, China, and Japan. Patents in South Korea and the UK are also currently under application. This also led many overseas customers at the exhibition to show higher recognition of WiAIR's R&D capability and technical expertise.

Paper-based eco-friendly protective packaging continues to grow in popularity

In addition to honeycomb paper mats, paper-bubble was also one of the most popular products at the exhibition. Many visitors mentioned that traditional plastic bubble wrap is facing more and more issues today: plastic restrictions, recycling pressure, large storage volume, higher transportation costs, and increasing consumer sensitivity toward eco-friendly packaging.

Honeycomb paper sleeves also attracted a lot of attention thanks to their 3D honeycomb structure. They can protect products like wine bottles, glass items, and cosmetics, while reducing the need for extra fillers, balancing sustainability with a premium feel.

Honeycomb paper, with its lightweight and visually appealing characteristics, was also popular among e-commerce and gift packaging customers. By stretching into a honeycomb structure, it uses less material to achieve better wrapping performance, while also making recycling and reuse easier.

Meanwhile, the Cardboard Shredder showed many visitors the real value of "turning waste into something useful." Used cardboard boxes can be processed directly into cushioning materials and reused for packaging protection, helping companies reduce waste and lower costs.

From materials to equipment, what WiAIR Packaging demonstrated is not just eco-friendly packaging, but a future direction of fully recyclable packaging systems.

PPWR is driving the global packaging industry

From interpack 2026, it is clear that paper-based eco-friendly protective packaging is no longer just a "trend." It is rapidly becoming a real choice for more and more companies. With the ongoing rollout of PPWR, the packaging industry will increasingly focus on reducing plastic dependency, improving material efficiency, enhancing recyclability, increasing shipping efficiency, and building more stable supply chains.

Paper-based cushioning solutions such as honeycomb paper mats, paper-bubble, and honeycomb paper sleeves are gradually shifting from "alternative options" to a new direction that more companies are actively upgrading toward. At the exhibition, what WiAIR saw was not just event popularity, but a real transformation happening across the global packaging industry.

In the next few years, those who complete packaging upgrades earlier will have a better chance of gaining a stronger position in global market competition.