The packaging industry in dialogue: The Euroblock Forum 2026

The Euroblock Forum is one of the largest industry gatherings in the pallet industry in Europe. Since 1994, Euroblock-Verpackungsholz GmbH has been hosting this two-day exchange format every three years. Nearly 190 participants from 25 countries in Europe, Asia and overseas accepted the invitation to the Munich Airport Marriott Hotel in Freising this time. Hosts Michael Pfeifer (Managing Director of Pfeifer Holding GmbH) and Leonhard Scherer (Managing Director of Euroblock) were delighted with the high level of interest, which underlines the forum's continued relevance.

‘The positive feedback confirms our commitment to maintaining personal contact with our customers,’ said Scherer.

Declining market and cautious optimism

Since the last forum in 2023, the industry has had to accept a declining market development in the wake of the overall economic situation. The packaging industry is currently facing weak demand and overcapacity, coupled with high prices for roundwood and residual wood. Added to this are regulatory requirements such as the European Packaging Regulation (PPWR) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Despite these challenges, Leonhard Scherer was cautiously optimistic in his opening speech:

‘For 2026, there is hope that the worst is over and a slight growth phase is beginning.’

Diverse programme and intensive exchange

In addition to specialist presentations and market discussions, a joint excursion to the „Zentrum Wald | Forst | Holz“ (Centre for Forest, Forestry and Wood) at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences offered in-depth insights into the climate-related need for forest conversion and innovative uses of wood. Prof. Hubert Röder emphasised active forest management as a key tool for maintaining and strengthening forests as effective carbon sinks in the long term.

Wood market, economy and politics

Gerd Ebner, editor-in-chief of Holzkurier, shed light on the outlook for the wood market. He analysed current market trends and their impact, particularly on the wood packaging industry and its suppliers. Clemens Fuest, President of the ifo Institute, Professor of Economics at LMU Munich and Director of the Centre for Economic Studies (CES), spoke clearly about the economic policy situation. His central message was that Europe needs structural reforms to enable new growth – less bureaucracy, more investment and innovation, and a deeper EU internal market.

Production and logistics in transition

Under the title ‘Data and AI as drivers’, Dr Martin Riester, Centre Director for Sustainable Production and Logistics at Fraunhofer Austria, spoke about the profound changes in production and logistics processes brought about by AI and data science. Using current research and use cases, he showed how companies can increase efficiency, promote sustainability and tap into new potential. Logistics expert Dr Volker Lange then turned his attention to the future of load carriers and pallets. His assessment: pallets will remain a central component of logistics, but their use is undergoing fundamental change, for example through digital twins and new technological applications.

Looking forward to the future and exchange

Ralph Goldschmidt took a look at the human dimension of change. In his keynote speech, the economist, sports scientist and entrepreneur spoke about resilience, personal challenges and the further development of managers in the area of conflict between work and private life. Social exchange and networking – including a Bavarian evening – rounded off the programme.

50 years of pressboard pallet blocks

The 13th Euroblock Forum not only marked its 30th anniversary, but also a special anniversary: 50 years of pressboard pallet blocks. Five decades ago, Anton Heggenstaller had the foresight to develop a product from waste wood that was ahead of its time – sustainable in concept, resource-efficient in implementation and consistently practical in application. Today, Euroblock pressboard pallet blocks are used in more than 4 billion pallets worldwide

‘A success story that has significantly shaped the development of pallet production and enabled sustainable logistics,’ says Leonhard Scherer.