Start up village puts innovation at heart of packaging

Packaging Solutions

Packaging Innovations 2020 is encouraging industry start ups to apply to take part in the ‘Start Up Village’, a platform designed to showcase the groundbreaking designs of up and coming companies.

The show invites companies to apply to take part at the 2020 edition, which last year featured cutting edge start ups, Talking Things, KKC Ltd, ProGlove, NWB, Linkz IM, Koepala, Garçon Wines and Flexi-Hex, when it returns to Birmingham’s NEC on 26 and 27 February.

Commenting on the second edition of the Start-Up Village, Victoria Blake, event director of Easyfairs’ UK Packaging Portfolio, said: ‘It is a fascinating time to be part of the UK packaging industry. The country is exploding with start ups, particularly within the scope of environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions, and we are committed to giving those companies a platform to meet some of the largest manufacturers and retailers in the country. It is an opportunity that might otherwise take years and require huge investment to achieve.

‘Last year’s Start Up Village was such a huge success we just had to bring it back for 2020.’

Flexi-Hex, founded by Cornish entrepreneurs Sam and Will Boex, went on to win the event’s Eco Pack Challenge with its recyclable and biodegradable packaging sleeves, which gave the company the opportunity to develop its product with retail giant Marks & Spencer.

Multi award winning Garçon Wines also attracted major attention in 2019 for its sustainable, flat wine bottle design and have since joined packaging industry leaders on the event’s advisory board. Santiago Navarro, CEO and co-founder of Garçon Wines, commented: ‘Joining the Start Up Village at Packaging Innovations in 2019 gave us the unique opportunity to showcase our sustainable wine packaging solutions to thousands of industry professionals. It was instrumental in increasing our visibility and accelerating our growth. We have been incredibly busy ever since and, during this important time for the implementation of climate crisis mitigation strategies, we will continue to actively engage with the UK’s leading event for innovative packaging.’

Companies wishing to be considered must complete the online application form by Friday 24 January, with the list of successful applicants announced at the end of the following week.

To apply to be part of the Start Up Village, please click here