Packaging Innovations & Empack marks 21st edition with growth

Packaging Solutions

Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 united the UK’s packaging industry, spotlighting sustainable, breakthrough innovations, and the next generation of trailblazing talent.

The 21st edition attracted 8021 unique visitors, an 8% increase on the previous year.

This year’s edition featured over 500 exhibitors. Exhibitor growth means the next edition will expand into halls 6 to 9 on 24 and 25 February 2027, providing even more space for innovation, products, and brands.

Attendees from over 3000 brands explored thousands of products and gained insights from more than 120 expert speakers. The packed programme offered interactive demonstrations, thought leadership talks, and networking opportunities, spotlighting emerging trends, innovation, and sustainable solutions across the packaging sector.

Over the two days, the event highlighted circular design solutions, data driven recyclability initiatives, and creative approaches across materials, automation, AI, and bespoke processing, all while emphasising collaboration, operational excellence, and forward thinking design.

Sustainability and circularity were central themes, with innovations such as Prevented Ocean Plastic’s first ever food safe recycled polypropylene, Castle Colour’s plastic free FibreGuard board, and Westpak Group’s GrabLok linerless tamper evident closure, demonstrating practical solutions for reducing environmental impact. In a nod to ongoing challenges in small format packaging, Futamura, Repaq, and GK Sondermaschinenbau showcased a new fully compostable sachet solution for condiments, sauces, and personal care products.

Industry leaders including Pack UK, Exchange for Change, Nestlé, Recoup, GS1 UK, WRAP, Terracycle, Biffa, McKinsey and Material Connexion, shared insights on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the upcoming UK deposit return scheme, and the importance of system wide coordination to make recyclability and circularity a reality. Global brands such as Boots, Diageo, Unilever, Mondelēz, Amazon, and Tesco walked the busy aisles, exploring innovations and connecting with suppliers, while no fewer than 10 new show features underscored how collaboration and forward thinking design are driving a more sustainable, circular future for the UK packaging industry.

The Future Trailblazers Awards celebrated the next generation of packaging professionals driving creativity, operational impact, and sustainability, while exhibitors such as Sheard Packaging, IPS, Innovia Films, Harkwell Labels, Westpak Group, Sovereign Labelling Machines, and Klöckner Pentaplast reported strong engagement and high quality visitor interactions. Across stages, demonstrations, and the Innovation Gallery, the event highlighted how innovation, collaboration, and strategic planning are shaping the next chapter of UK packaging, setting the tone ahead of London Packaging Week in September 2026.

‘From breakthrough innovations and live machinery demonstrations to expert led insights and high value networking, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 united the brands, suppliers, and ideas shaping the future of packaging,’ said Josh Brooks, divisional director – packaging portfolio at Easyfairs. ‘Packed conference sessions, standing room only talks, and a vibrant show floor highlighted how the industry is driving sustainability, advancing technology, and rethinking design, and proving that packaging does not follow the market, it sets the pace. Across materials, machinery, and circular solutions, the event showcased how innovation translates directly into performance, elevated customer experience, and commercial growth. Two days of energy, discovery, and connection underscored one truth: the UK packaging and processing sector is stronger, smarter, and more ambitious than ever.’

Register your interest now for Packaging Innovations & Empack 2027, taking place on 24 and 25 February 2027 at Birmingham’s NEC.