The ZLV Packaging Symposium 2025 in Kempten was a complete success, attracting around 160 attendees and nearly 40 sponsors and exhibitors. It once again underscored the relevance of this industry platform for addressing current challenges and fostering innovative approaches in the packaging world.
Professional Insights in Focus
Particularly well received by participants was the presentation by Michael Martin (Wipak), who outlined the current status of the industry, the resulting tasks, and the developments needed to sustainably meet global changes. Mr. Waldau (Berndt+Partner Creality) also made a strong appeal to packaging professionals, urging them not to remain inactive in the face of PPWR regulations but to develop a clear plan, take small steps, and involve all company departments. Ms. Lembach from the Theo Müller Group demonstrated, in connection with recycled content in yogurt cups, how circular economy solutions are already technically feasible today.
Atmosphere and Young Talents
The 2025 Packaging Symposium was again characterized by a relaxed atmosphere and a strong determination within the industry to proactively tackle current challenges: sustainability, the use of recyclates, and packaging reduction in accordance with PPWR were passionately discussed in a total of twenty expert presentations and in participant conversations. Especially encouraging was the growing participation of industry young talent — students and young professionals took advantage of the opportunity for dialogue and networking. The highly attended evening event at the Fasshalle Kempten especially offered attendees space and time for further networking. This year’s ZLV Award for the best bachelor’s thesis in the Food and Packaging Technology program at Kempten University of Applied Sciences was awarded to Lena Sauter for her research on determining the sorption isotherm of date sugar. Peter Stober (Chairman of the ZLV Board) emphasized in his laudation the high level of innovation and practical applicability of this study.
Kempten University of Applied Sciences as a Partner
Kempten University of Applied Sciences was once again the official partner and venue of the symposium. Its degree programs and the KLEVERTEC competence center for food and packaging technology were prominently presented, underlining the importance of scientific foundations and collaborations for the advancement of the industry. The other official partners of the event were BASF, Herrmann Ultraschall, and Wipak. The close integration of science and industry highlights the significance of strategic partnerships for industry progress. Without the support of all official partners, this central industry exchange platform would not be feasible.
The Packaging Symposium addressed the most important issues of the future and made clear: the willingness to change and the expertise to actively make the packaging world more sustainable are present—particularly thanks to the strong cohesion of industry, science, and Nachwuchs. As conference chair Thomas Lux (ZLV Managing Director) emphasized: “Together, change is possible!”—a motto that was repeatedly confirmed throughout the symposium.
The next Packaging Symposium will take place on September 17 and 18, 2026, in Kempten.
