Guides · 2026-07-24

Paper & Packaging Trade Shows 2026-2027: The Complete Global Calendar for Buyers and Suppliers

Plan your paper and packaging trade show visits with this complete 2026-2027 calendar. Covers drupa, interpack, Paperworld, SinoCorrugated, and 15+ more industry events worldwide.

Trade shows remain the most efficient way to discover new paper grades, meet suppliers face-to-face, compare samples across multiple mills, and negotiate directly. For international buyers, one well-planned trade show visit can replace months of email-based sourcing.

This calendar covers the major paper, packaging, and printing industry events from mid-2026 through 2027.

Major International Shows

drupa 2028

Date: May 2028 (held every 4 years)
Location: Düsseldorf, Germany
Focus: Printing technology, paper, converting, packaging production
Why attend: The world's largest printing and paper show. 260,000+ visitors from 180+ countries. Every major paper mill, coater, and converter exhibits.
Planning: drupa 2028 is the next edition. Start planning Q4 2027.

interpack 2026

Date: May 7–13, 2026 (just passed)
Location: Düsseldorf, Germany
Focus: Packaging materials, machinery, and processes
Next edition: May 2029

SinoCorrugated / SinoFoldingCarton 2027

Date: April 2027 (typically)
Location: Shanghai, China
Focus: Corrugated packaging, folding carton production, paperboard
Why attend: The largest Asian packaging manufacturing show. Direct access to Chinese paper mills, converting equipment manufacturers, and packaging converters.

Paperworld Middle East 2026

Date: November 2026 (typically)
Location: Dubai, UAE
Focus: Paper, stationery, office supplies, packaging
Why attend: The gateway show for Middle East and Africa paper buyers.

Paperworld China 2026

Date: November 2026 (typically)
Location: Shanghai, China
Focus: Paper products, stationery, office supplies

Regional Shows Worth Attending

Asia

Show	Date	Location	Focus
Asian Paper Bangkok	June 2027	Bangkok, Thailand	Pulp, paper, packaging — Southeast Asian market focus
China Print	May 2027	Beijing, China	Printing equipment and materials
Corrugated Asia	September 2027	Various (rotating)	Corrugated packaging for Asian market

Europe

Show	Date	Location	Focus
Packaging Première	April 2027	Milan, Italy	Luxury packaging materials and design
Luxe Pack Monaco	October 2026	Monaco	Luxury packaging — fancy paper, rigid boxes, premium finishes
London Packaging Week	September 2027	London, UK	All packaging sectors
FachPack	September 2027	Nuremberg, Germany	Industrial packaging, labeling, processing

North America

Show	Date	Location	Focus
Pack Expo	September 2026 / 2027	Las Vegas / Chicago (alternating)	Packaging machinery and materials
Paper & Plastics Recycling Conference	October 2026	Chicago, USA	Recycled paper, recovered fiber markets
Printing United	October 2027	Various, USA	Printing technology and substrates

Middle East & Africa

Show	Date	Location	Focus
Propak Africa	March 2027	Johannesburg, South Africa	Packaging, plastics, printing — African market
Gulf Print & Pack	January 2027	Dubai, UAE	Commercial printing and packaging — Middle East

Latin America

Show	Date	Location	Focus
EXPOPRINT Latin America	March 2027	São Paulo, Brazil	Printing and converting — Latin American market
Andina Pack	November 2027	Bogotá, Colombia	Packaging and processing — Andean region

How to Make the Most of a Trade Show Visit

Before the Show

Register early — early-bird rates can save 30–50%
Pre-book supplier meetings — the best suppliers' calendars fill up 4–6 weeks before the show
Prepare your specification list — know exactly what GSM, grades, and quantities you're sourcing
Request samples in advance — suppliers can bring your specific samples to the show booth
Book accommodation early — Düsseldorf hotels during drupa sell out 12+ months ahead

At the Show

Bring your specification sheets — paper samples work best when compared directly against your current stock
Collect business cards and photograph samples — you'll forget which supplier showed which paper by day 3
Visit mill booths, not just trading companies — mills can discuss production capabilities and custom grades
Attend technical seminars — many shows offer free sessions on paper trends, regulations, and technology
Wear comfortable shoes — drupa halls stretch over 15 km of walking

After the Show

Organize samples within 48 hours — label everything before you forget
Follow up within 1 week — reference your booth conversation in the email subject line
Request formal quotations — trade show pricing is often promotional; confirm validity period
Share your show report internally — photos, samples, pricing intelligence, and supplier assessments

Meet YOUNGSUN PAPER

YOUNGSUN PAPER regularly participates in major paper and packaging trade shows. We bring sample books covering all 25+ grades, specification sheets, and FSC/SGS certification documentation.

How to Prepare for a Paper Trade Show: A Buyer's Complete Guide to Making the Most of Your Visit - A trade show visit can replace months of email-based sourcing — if you prepare correctly. This guide covers what to bring, which suppliers to target, how to evaluate paper samples on the spot, and the follow-up system that turns contacts into contracts.
Making the Most of Trade Show Paper Samples: What to Look For and What to Ask - The paper samples you collect at trade shows are the foundation of your sourcing decisions. This guide teaches you how to evaluate samples on the spot, what tests to request, and how to avoid the most common sample evaluation mistakes.
How to Source Paper from China: A Complete Guide for International Packaging Buyers - Sourcing paper from China can reduce costs and expand your supplier base — but only if you know how to specify, qualify, and manage orders correctly. This guide covers the full process from product selection to container loading.