The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) will bring its global network to Shanghai, China, from 15 to 20 November 2026 for a programme centred on its 116th Board Meeting. Hosted by WPO’s local member, the China National Export Commodities Packaging Research Institute (CEPI), and its partner, interpack China 2026, the programme will also include visits and opportunities to engage with the trade show. This will take place from 16 to 18 November at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
The programme will combine WPO Executive and Working Group meetings with industry forums. They will address sustainable packaging and the prevention of food loss and waste. It will provide opportunities for members to share expertise, strengthen international partnerships and discuss the organisation’s ongoing initiatives and future priorities.
Industry forums address sustainability and food waste
The week will begin on 15 November with the WPO Executive Meeting, bringing together Executives and Ambassadors. The agenda will then connect with two industry events at interpack China. This will be the Save Food Forum on 16 November and the Green Packaging Summit Forum on 17 November.
The Save Food Forum will provide a platform to exchange perspectives on packaging’s role in preventing food loss and waste. The Green Packaging Summit Forum will address the continued transition towards more sustainable packaging solutions. Both events will take place in the conference area at Booth W1Y51, in Hall W1 of the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
Advancing international collaboration
On 18 November, WPO’s Working Groups will meet to advance activities in Sustainability & Save Food, Marketing and Education. These sessions enable members to contribute technical knowledge and share developments from their countries and regions. It will also help shape initiatives across the organisation’s key areas of activity.
The central institutional event, the 116th WPO Board Meeting, will take place on 19 November. Members will review progress since the previous meeting in Düsseldorf, exchange updates from across the WPO network, and discuss activities and priorities for the months ahead. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, enabling members unable to travel to participate online.
WPO President, Luciana Pellegrino, said, “Holding the programme alongside interpack China will also allow WPO members to engage with packaging and processing professionals, organisations and industry stakeholders from China and the wider region. As WPO’s second Board Meeting gathering of the year, the programme offers an opportunity to strengthen relationships across its international membership. It will also enourage deeper connections with the packaging community in China and across Asia. We truly extend our appreciation to CEPI for hosting the meetings and supporting the preparation of the programme.”
