The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), in cooperation with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), hosted the German-Philippine Conference on Food and Packaging Machinery on 10 February 2026 at Makati Diamond Residences. The conference convened German and Philippine stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration in food processing, packaging automation, cold chain development, and sustainable manufacturing solutions.
“Food and packaging are not just industries—they are systems that sustain growth, efficiency, and resilience.” said Mr. Christopher Zimmer, GPCCI Executive Director. “By aligning German engineering excellence with the Philippines’ rapidly evolving food sector, we are advancing automation, sustainable manufacturing, and future-ready supply chains through strong partnerships.”
The conference formed part of a broader German business mission aimed at strengthening cooperation across food processing, packaging manufacturing, automation, distribution, and related infrastructure. Around 70 stakeholders, including industry executives, regulatory authorities, technology providers, and public sector representatives, participated in market briefings, interactive discussions, and targeted business networking sessions.
The event featured keynote presentations that provided insights into the Philippine food and packaging landscape, highlighting both current industry challenges and emerging opportunities driven by innovation, sustainability, and regulatory developments.
“Packaging plays a critical role in reducing food loss and supporting a rapidly growing consumer market, but it must now evolve alongside sustainability and regulatory demands,” said Mr. Stefano Paolo Buñag of the Packaging Institute of the Philippines. “This shift creates strong opportunities for advanced machinery, smart packaging solutions, and partnerships that help Philippine industries—especially MSMEs—remain competitive while meeting environmental and market expectations."
From a policy perspective, the conference also addressed the implications of the country’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for packaging and manufacturing operations.
“The Extended Producer Responsibility law goes beyond waste collection—it is designed to influence decisions at the design stage, across production lines and supply chains,” said Atty. Ivy Joyce De Pedro of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). “Technologies that enable lighter, recyclable, and resource-efficient packaging are becoming central not only to compliance, but to long-term competitiveness as the Philippines moves toward a circular economy.”
Participating German companies included Langguth GmbH, Lißner engineering + architects, MLT – Micro Laser Technology GmbH, MULTIVAC, SOMIC Packaging, and Tholander Environmental Engineering, showcasing solutions spanning high-precision labeling, laser processing, integrated packaging systems, end-of-line automation, production facility planning, and industrial exhaust air purification.
“This conference demonstrates why platforms like this matter—where German expertise in food and packaging machinery meets Philippine market demand and sustainability priorities,” said Marie Antoniette Mariano, President of GPCCI. “By fostering dialogue and partnership, we are laying the foundation for long-term, impactful cooperation that supports innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth for the impacted industries in the Philippines of this delegation.”
The conference underscored the shared commitment of Germany and the Philippines to advancing sustainable food processing and packaging solutions. Through dialogue between technology providers, regulators, and industry leaders, the event laid the groundwork for long-term cooperation supporting efficiency, compliance, and environmental performance.
Through curated business matchmaking and direct engagement with local stakeholders, German companies gained deeper insights into local market requirements while identifying potential distribution, integration, and project partners in the Philippines.
About the Business Mission
This conference formed part of a week-long German business delegation to the Philippines from 9–13 February 2026, involving companies from the food processing, packaging, and related technology sectors. With 70 conference participants, the mission was organized by GPCCI in cooperation with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
