Fespa 2026 marks the beginning of a new chapter with Corrugated 2026, which will occupy a large exhibition area. However, its physical scale is only a marginal detail compared to its deeper meaning: a strategic shift. With this move, the exhibition organizer acknowledges that the future of this type of packaging lies in the integration of skills, diverse technologies, materials, and know-how—and it is precisely in this convergence that new value is created.
It is clear that printing plays a key role in shaping product identity and is therefore essential in the production of corrugated packaging. But it is not enough. The role of converters is evolving: no longer just executors, but strategic partners who must take a step forward and become key players in a value-creation process. This is certainly a challenge, as it requires rethinking business models, investing in new technologies, and developing cross-functional expertise.
A one-to-one with Duncan MacOwan, Head of Marketing and Events, FESPA
What is the new Corrugated event from FESPA?
“Corrugated is FESPA’s new dedicated event for corrugated packaging and point-of-sale display production. It brings together manufacturers of corrugated packaging and display solutions with suppliers of machinery, print technology, software, materials and automation.
The event will take place from 19 – 22 May 2026 at Fira de Barcelona, alongside co-located events: FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, WrapFest and the new Textile event. Visitors will be able to access Corrugated and all co-located events with one ticket.
Corrugated was developed as a focused platform for converters and manufacturers who want practical insights into how digital print, automation and workflow technologies are shaping the future of corrugated applications”.
Who is the event aimed at?
“The core audience for Corrugated includes corrugated board manufacturers, packaging converters, point-of-sale display producers and senior decision makers involved in operations, production, innovation and investment.
It is also highly relevant for companies that produce 3D corrugated displays, brand owners working closely with converters, and print service providers looking to expand into packaging and display applications.
The co-located format allows visitors to explore solutions beyond corrugated alone – including digital print, finishing, personalisation and workflow technologies that increasingly overlap with corrugated applications”.
Why is FESPA launching a dedicated corrugated event now?
“The corrugated sector has advanced rapidly in recent years. Digital print adoption is accelerating, sustainability requirements are tightening, and customers expect faster turnaround, shorter runs and greater flexibility.
At the same time, corrugated packaging and display has become a strategic growth area for many print and finishing technology providers. Corrugated gives this community a space to meet, share knowledge and evaluate solutions that are specifically relevant to their production environment.
By launching Corrugated alongside FESPA Global Print Expo and its co-located events, we can support converters who want deeper, sector-specific insight, while also exposing them to innovation from the wider speciality print ecosystem”.
What can visitors expect to see at Corrugated?
“Corrugated will feature solutions covering the full corrugated production workflow. This includes digital and hybrid print technologies, converting and finishing equipment, workflow and automation software, consumables, substrates, robotics and plant logistics.
The exhibition will occupy a dedicated 1,500 square metre hall space and will be supported by a free-to-attend ‘Corrugated Conference’ programme.
Visitors can expect to see practical, production-focused solutions rather than conceptual showcases, with an emphasis on improving efficiency, flexibility, sustainability and return on investment”.
Are there any exhibitors or technology areas visitors should look out for?
“Corrugated has already attracted strong interest from global suppliers specialising in corrugated packaging and display production. Exhibitors span digital print, converting, automation, software and finishing.
Confirmed participants include companies such as Barberan, Baysek Solutions, Bobst, BW Papersystems Frankfurt, Canon, Cuir, Dücker Prefeeder, Freidheim International, HP, Hybrid Software Development, Kento Digital Printing, Scodix, Sun Automation Group, TCY Machinery and Wonderjet.
We’re inviting the readers of Converter to join us at the Fira de Barcelona, from 19 – 22 May 2026! Don’t forget – one ticket provides you with access to all six events. For more information and to register, visit: https://europe.fespa.com/corrugated
