The International Processing and Packaging Technology Exhibition, ProPak Hanoi 2026, opened on October 13 at the Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC) in Dong Anh, Hanoi. Organised by Informa Markets Vietnam, the event runs until October 15 alongside the International Beverage Technology Exhibition, DrinkTech Vietnam 2026, as well as MTA Hanoi and SemiTronics Vietnam.

According to the organisers, the concurrent exhibitions cover 10,000 sq.m and bring together more than 300 exhibitors from 20 countries and territories, including Germany, the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand and China. The four events are expected to welcome more than 8,000 domestic and international trade visitors, among them investors, business owners and senior executives seeking new technologies and commercial partners.

Industrial growth strengthens demand for technology investment

ProPak Hanoi 2026 takes place against a backdrop of expanding industrial production and increasing demand for modern machinery, automated processes and more efficient manufacturing operations.

According to the National Statistics Office, Viet Nam's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) increased 12.3% year on year in the first nine months of 2026, its highest growth for the same period since 2019. Manufacturing and processing rose 12.9%, while beverage production and food manufacturing and processing recorded increases of 17.4% and 12.5%, respectively.

Growth was also recorded across major northern industrial centres, with industrial production up 23.2% in Thai Nguyen, 20.2% in Bac Ninh, 18.6% in Quang Ninh and 15.2% in Hai Phong. The expansion of manufacturing activity has been accompanied by greater demand for automation, quality control, material optimisation and technologies that can improve operational performance.

The outlook for the final quarter remains positive. Figures cited by the organisers indicate that 83.9% of enterprises expect their production and business conditions in the fourth quarter of 2026 to improve or remain stable compared with the third quarter. Against this background, investment in equipment and production-capacity upgrades continues to be an important consideration for manufacturers.

Building on nearly two decades of ProPak Vietnam exhibitions, ProPak Hanoi 2026 extends the exhibition platform to the northern region, where industrial enterprises are seeking closer access to equipment suppliers and specialised technological solutions.

The displays cover packaging, food processing, beverage technology, packaging materials, pharmaceuticals, logistics and cold-chain operations. Participating businesses include ISHIDA Vietnam, TOPPAN, Machinex Vietnam, Tokyo Automatic Machinery Works, Tsukasa Industry Asia Pacific and VRAIN Solution, alongside other domestic and international companies.

The organisers have placed particular emphasis on enabling enterprises to compare equipment and assess technological options in terms of performance, operational stability and total cost of ownership. Such considerations can help manufacturers evaluate investment risks and identify solutions suited to their production requirements.

The exhibition also features a Business Matching programme, offering one-to-one meetings between buyers and domestic and international suppliers. The initiative is intended to facilitate direct exchanges, reduce the time required to identify potential partners and support commercial cooperation.

Specialist activities address sustainability and production standards

Alongside the exhibition, a programme of seminars and training activities from October 13 to 15 focuses on technological innovation, sustainable packaging and practical issues affecting manufacturing enterprises.

On October 13, sessions address the development of green agricultural product brands through standardised packaging and product labelling, together with innovations in beverage packaging and packaging technology. The Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) also conducts training on sustainable packaging design, covering primary, secondary and tertiary packaging.

On October 14, discussions will examine smart and sustainable technologies for Viet Nam's food industry and the green transition in processing and packaging, from eco-design to high-quality recycling. A technical seminar will focus on advanced technologies in sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing and high-potency compounding, including aseptic processes, isolation technology and exposure control.

A further AIP training session on October 14 will examine packaging usability, including easy-to-open, resealable, easy-to-hold and easy-to-use designs. The Hanoi Packaging Forum, organised by AIP on October 15, will provide a dedicated setting for businesses and specialists to discuss issues related to packaging operations.

Beyond the scheduled sessions, the professional programme highlights regulatory developments affecting the packaging industry, including extended producer responsibility (EPR) requirements and the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). These issues place greater attention on material selection, packaging design and the standards businesses must consider when supplying export markets.

Experts contributing to the wider programme include representatives of the Vietnam Packaging Association, the Vietnam Association of Food Science and Technology, the Vietnam Beer - Alcohol - Beverage Association and the Center for Agricultural and Environmental Technology Development Consultancy. Their participation broadens the discussions beyond equipment selection to the technical and regulatory considerations faced by manufacturers.

The training component is intended to help participants apply technical knowledge to operational decisions, from choosing materials and designing packaging to improving production efficiency and controlling costs. According to the organisers, participants who complete the relevant programme receive Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) certification endorsed by AIP.

DrinkTech Vietnam 2026, held concurrently, provides additional discussions focused on the beverage industry. With support from the Vietnam Beer - Alcohol - Beverage Association, its conference programme covers modern production technologies, smart and sustainable packaging and measures to improve operational efficiency in beverage manufacturing.

The beverage-focused programme brings together domestic and regional perspectives on production technology and packaging development. Its discussions are designed to provide information for companies considering innovation, operational improvements and longer-term sustainability measures.

Through technology displays, specialist exchanges and direct business connections, the three-day programme provides northern manufacturers with opportunities to examine new equipment, update their understanding of regulatory requirements and engage with domestic and international suppliers. The Hanoi edition reflects the organisers' effort to bring the processing and packaging exhibition platform closer to an expanding industrial production base.