The octopus is the centrepiece of drupa 2028’s new brand identity and, under the slogan ‘dive into the unseen’, symbolises the journey into new technological and creative dimensions of the print and packaging industry. Around 18 months ahead of the event, the world’s leading trade fair for printing solutions is already demonstrating its global appeal: Companies from 38 countries have registered for drupa 2028 – a strong signal from the international print and packaging industry. From 9 to 17 May 2028, Düsseldorf will once again be the place to feel the pulse of the industry, experience innovation first-hand and explore new business opportunities. Exhibitor registration remains open until 31 October 2026.
From established global players to emerging newcomers, the exhibitor list already reads like a who’s who of the print and packaging industry, spanning the entire value chain. Renowned, long-standing exhibitors including Comexi, Esko, Fujifilm, HEIDELBERG, Horizon, Konica Minolta, KYOCERA Document Solutions, LEONHARD KURZ, Line O Matic, UPG and Windmöller & Hölscher, among many others, have registered and will showcase their innovations, technology trends, product portfolios and premieres in Düsseldorf from 9 to 17 May 2028. Visitors can look forward to a trade fair experience where complex automated workflows, integrated processes and new technologies can be seen in action in real-world production settings. The international scope of drupa is already clearly reflected in exhibitor registrations. Alongside Germany, a substantial number of companies from major print and packaging markets, including China, Italy, India, Spain and Japan, will be represented. In total, exhibitors from 38 countries have registered for drupa 2028.
“The current booking figures, particularly the high level of international participation, send a strong signal from the market,” says Sabine Geldermann, Director drupa, Portfolio Print Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf. “The profiles of exhibitors registered so far reflect the full breadth of the industry – from established technology leaders and highly specialised solution providers to companies operating in emerging technology fields. This is precisely where drupa’s strength lies. It brings together the international print and packaging industry across the entire value chain and highlights the technologies, perspectives and partnerships that will shape its future.”
From an industry perspective, the strong international response at this early stage is equally significant. Dr Andreas Pleßke, Chairman of the drupa Committee, explains: “The fact that companies from 38 countries have already committed to drupa 2028 demonstrates the global importance of this platform for our industry. The sector is experiencing a period of rapid technological change. Automation, artificial intelligence and connected production processes are transforming value chains and opening up new business opportunities. This makes an international meeting place all the more important – one where innovations can be experienced not in isolation, but through the interaction of technology, applications and markets. That is exactly what drupa stands for. Visitors can look forward to drupa 2028 introducing entirely new formats that will bring this dynamic transformation to life and showcase the business opportunities it creates.”
With around a year and a half to go before the exhibition opens, drupa 2028 is already attracting numerous exhibitors from all over the world to Düsseldorf – a strong indication of the international appeal of the world’s leading trade fair.