El Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Packaging Congress (PHARMAP) 2026 It brought together industry leaders on April 20 and 21 in Amsterdam for two days of intensive discussion on the forces transforming pharmaceutical manufacturing. Organized in collaboration with Astellas Pharma Europe, GSK, ESTEVE, Laboratoires Théa, and Recipharm, the Congress addressed global manufacturing strategies, supply chain resilience, packaging innovation, and many other topics.
The opening executive panel set the tone for the next two days. The speakers addressed the structural pressures facing the sector—from geopolitical disruption to the demands of digital transformation—and made it clear that adapting to this environment requires more than just investment in technology. Alexios TsamourisThe Vice President of International Business Development at PHARMAZAC SA expressed it clearly: “The transition to Pharmaceutical Industry 4.0 requires greater investment in people, processes, and adaptive decision-making, as well as a constant focus on crisis scenarios and adaptability. Furthermore, it demands agile strategic thinking and, often, a flexible investment approach.”
The transformation of pharmaceutical manufacturing solidified as a key theme at PHARMAP 2026. Participants analyzed the growing role of outsourcing and contract manufacturing, emphasizing the need for strong and balanced partnerships, and the importance of developing efficient production models that respond to changing market demands while maintaining quality and reliability.
The session on smart and agile pharmaceutical manufacturing examined the latest strategies and case studies. Speakers explored how to leverage technology to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency, presenting practical solutions and strategic initiatives for pharmaceutical plants. New developments included an automated packaging machine and a palletizing cobot on a production line, industry-specific mechanical seals, methods for reducing water-related incidents, and approaches to lowering maintenance and energy costs while improving plant availability and audit robustness. However, amidst the focus on technological solutions, Florian ZwyssigThe director of Global Operational Excellence at Bavarian Nordic offered a measured reminder: a successful transformation depends “70% on people, 20% on processes and only 10% on technology.”
Supply chain resilience received equal attention. Delegates learned how the pressures of recent years have accelerated the shift toward more resilient, transparent, and regionally diversified supply networks. Ton KnipscheerThe CEO of ECPA (European Co-packers Association) highlighted that co-packing and contract manufacturing are no longer secondary activities: they have become a critical component of the modern supply chain strategy, with strong double-digit growth projected for the coming years.
Packaging remained a key part of the agenda, reflecting its growing role in the pharmaceutical value chain. Speakers discussed patient-centricity, packaging solutions for product protection, brand integrity, and patient usability, demonstrating that packaging has become a strategic element connecting manufacturing processes with end users. Joost GroenAn independent consultant on patient empowerment at Sidewise, reinforced this point: patients who understand their medication tend to show better adherence to treatment, and healthcare professionals feel more confident as a result. Tailoring information to the patient's understanding, he argued, is one of the most practical tools available for improving health literacy on a large scale.
The closing panel brought the two days together with a forward-looking discussion on the strategic priorities that will define the sector over the next three to five years. The panelists reflected on the themes addressed throughout the Congress—collaboration models, digital transformation, patient-centered design, and supply chain resilience—and outlined the most significant opportunities and risks ahead. The session reinforced the idea that thriving in this environment will require not only technological investment but also organizational agility and a genuine willingness to collaborate beyond traditional industry boundaries. Natalia Vtyurina, president of the Quality Community of Practice at ISPE NL, emphasized the importance of investing not only in technology, but also in people.
PHARMAP returns in 2027 to Berlin, Germany, with Bayer as the main sponsor. For information on participation and presentation opportunities, please visit the official website: https://sh.bgs.group/47p
