With just a few days to go before the opening of the 2026 edition, the Paris Packaging Week showcases its ambitions. With new areas dedicated to reuse, high-level conferences on PPWR, innovations in materials, and the growing importance of PCD, the show has established itself as a key event for cosmetics packaging professionals.
PCD: 25 years at the heart of cosmetics transformation
The PCD (Packaging of Perfume, Cosmetics & Design), the show's historic pillar, celebrates its twenty-fifth edition this year. It brings together nearly 600 of the 935 exhibitors expected throughout Paris Packaging Week, confirming its central position for cosmetics packaging professionals. « SCI continues to be the driving force behind the show »says Christelle Anya, Content and Community Director. Suppliers of bottles, pumps, carton makers, box designers and full-service providers: the entire cosmetics value chain is represented.
The show is also recording steady growth in visitor numbers. The 2025 edition attracted 12,588 professionals, and the organizers hope to break the symbolic barrier of 15,000 visitors this year. « We come to Paris Packaging Week with business in mind: it's a transactional, action-oriented show. »says Noura Moussa, Head of Marketing. This pragmatic positioning appeals to a community that is increasingly structured around operational projects.
Reuse and recharging at the heart of a new chapter
In response to regulatory requirements and changing usage patterns, this year's Paris Packaging Week inaugurates a new zone dedicated to reuse and recharge. Dubbed Refill & Reuse, The event, which will be attended by around ten exhibitors, will feature solutions designed to integrate these practices into cosmetics production chains. « We have designed this zone to meet a twofold expectation: regulatory developments such as PPWR, and the growing demand for sustainable solutions from brands. »says Noura Moussa.
Our commitment to sustainability extends to other thematic zones, such as the Full Service Zone, which offers turnkey solutions, particularly to young brands or those looking to accelerate their time-to-market.
The Discovery Zone expands: 20 startups to shake up standards
A showcase for emerging innovation, the Discovery Zone is expanding to welcome more than 20 start-ups this year. These start-ups will be presenting technologies, materials or services that break with traditional packaging models. « We've expanded this zone to promote the visibility of new technologies and enable brands to identify agile and creative partners. »explains Noura Moussa. In particular, visitors will discover proposals for molded fiber, Zamak reused in luxury goods, and fully recyclable materials. A pitches stage will enable startups to present their innovations live, facilitating exchange with visitors and exhibitors.
Conferences: from regulations to structural transformations
Another pillar of the show is a conference program focusing on sustainability, new technologies and industrial strategy.
The stage Circular Economy will explore the practical implications of PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), particularly in terms of packaging design, deposits, traceability and recycled materials.
" We have structured the conferences to cover all the changes taking place in the sector: regulations, ecological transition, new uses, and major brand initiatives. »says Christelle Anya. Among the speakers announced: L'Oréal, Diptyque, Yves Rocher, La Rosée, and the Coalition Consigne Cosmétique.
Brands will be sharing their practices and outlining the challenges involved in making the transition to reusable models. « We believe that, above all, suppliers want to hear about the real issues facing their customers. "she adds.
Future Innovation Forum: AI, data and technological disruption
The second focus of the conference cycle is technological innovation. The Future Innovation Forum will feature talks on disruptive materials, advanced recycling systems, artificial intelligence and environmental data.
An unprecedented partnership with Cactus, a structure that brings together players in the retail, This year's event, which will focus on the transformation of points of sale, pack personalization and the convergence between physical and digital.
" Our aim is to make these topics understandable, operational and immediately applicable to show visitors. »says Christelle Anya. Brands such as Rémy Cointreau, manufacturers such as Dassault, and start-ups such as Deepness, which analyzes 40 billion pieces of packaging waste to guide packaging design, will enrich these exchanges.
Paris as a stage for innovation pack
For several years now, Paris has been the scene of a profound transformation in cosmetics packaging. Centrality, accessibility, a wealth of exchanges: the French capital is a natural ecosystem to host this dynamic. « We've decided to take the visitor experience to the next level, both in terms of content and aesthetics. »says Christelle Anya. This involves improving the show's “look & feel”, the visitor pathways and the functionalities of the mobile application, available from the opening of the show.
This commitment to continuous improvement is underpinned by ongoing dialogue with the industry. « We move forward in consultation with our community, in a spirit of permanent co-construction. »reminds Noura Moussa.
A structure designed for meetings
While the content is dense, the show does not forget its social and relational dimension. On the eve of the show, a gala evening at the Place Vendôme will mark the launch of the festivities, with the presentation of the Innovation Awards. Over the two days, visitors will also find the networking areas that have made the show's reputation: champagne bar, cocktail bar, beer bar. These sponsored areas are designed to facilitate informal exchanges and extend the visitor's visit. « We're seeing a real buzz in the aisles. It's an energy we want to nurture and develop. »concludes Noura Moussa.
