UKPackaging Expo debuts in Manchester

Packaging Solutions

The first edition of UKPackaging Expo ran from 3 to 4 September at Manchester Central. The event gave packaging suppliers and professionals a dedicated platform in the north of England.

A diverse mix of exhibitors presented an inspiring array of packaging innovations and manufacturing solutions for industries ranging from FMCG and pharmaceuticals to automotive and aerospace. The showfloor featured everything from industry giants such as Unilever, through to British manufacturing stalwarts including Facer, Protek and Record Packaging Systems, alongside newcomers such as N&E Innovations (ViKang), which was making its UK market debut.

Turnkey production line machinery, adhesive applications, sustainable packing tape, pallet stabilising solutions, cartons to prevent leakage, recycled plastics, roll bags and e-commerce ready delivery packets were all on display.

Meanwhile, organisations including Sheffield Hallam University, Innovate UK, the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the North of England Packaging Society, WWF, and expert sustainability consultants Beyondly and Aura Pioneering offered guidance on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and other urgent issues for the sector.

Luke Wilson, owner of Facer, said he was impressed by the quality of engagement: ‘It has been quality over quantity, and those conversations equalled what we have had at shows with much higher footfall. Some visitors came specifically to see us, and we met everyone from start ups to established brands and even some major retailers. The location in the north really works, and it has been great for networking.’

Managing director of Protek, Eamon Talbot, echoed the positive mood, saying: ‘We had taken a break from exhibiting for six years but saw this as the right opportunity. The expo is close to home, within budget, and we have had enquiries from companies solving problems as well as those developing brand new products. For us it is also about networking – many of our potential customers were exhibiting too. We provide one piece of the jigsaw, but here we have found partners to help customers build complete solutions.’

At Mark Forged, which showcased a composite and metal printer, Oscar Cutts reported good lead quality: ‘It is worth it in my opinion. The expo is well organised, the venue works, and it is cost effective and efficient.’

For N&E Innovations (ViKang), the event marked a UK first with its cashew based, industrially compostable clingfilm. The company’s Devi Krishna said, ‘We think this is the only product in the global market offering antimicrobial properties, tensile strength and cost competitiveness all in one. Some catering companies have stepped away from clingfilm because they couldn’t find a sustainable option – this could be a game changer. Networking here has been excellent, with buyers, manufacturers and potential partners showing real interest – even in non-food applications.’

Visitor feedback reinforced the sense of optimism. Adrian Robinson of Seidel GmbH, commented: ‘It is good to see someone disrupt the status quo. A lot of decisions are made in the south, but the doers are in the north. With so much industry in the northwest, it makes perfect sense to hold an exhibition here. Footfall may be lower than some shows – it is the first year, after all – but what matters is the quality of discussion. There is a reason companies like Unilever are here with a strong presence, and the next edition will be even stronger.’

If one message stood out from the inaugural UKPackaging Expo, it was that sustainability and EPR compliance are now non negotiable. The Content Theatre drew consistent crowds as exhibitors and visitors sought clarity on the complex and fast evolving regulations and their cost implications.

Gillian Garside Wright, managing director of Aura Pioneering, summed up the mood: ‘The UK is lagging behind Europe and the US on EPR, so businesses are understandably anxious. It is about capturing data and knowing your obligations, which change depending on where products are sold. We have to update our advice constantly, as the requirements shift week by week. Digital passports on packaging are likely to come, though very small businesses don’t need to panic yet, as many will fall below the thresholds.’

She added that her team had met ‘a wide cross-section of visitors – retailers, brands, recyclers, manufacturers – and had some really valuable conversations’.

With a clear mission to champion practical innovation and foster meaningful business connections, UKPackaging Expo 2025 will continue to serve the real world needs of packaging professionals across food and drink, beauty, manufacturing, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals and beyond. Sustainability will remain at the heart of the show, with exhibitors encouraged to demonstrate genuine environmental credentials and technologies aligned with circular economy and net zero goals.

At the close of the inaugural edition, Jordan Bamford, managing director of UKPackaging Expo, said: ‘We are delighted with how the first show has gone and proud to have delivered a new event for this sector in the north of England. It is good to innovate and try something different, so we are happy to be seen as a disruptor – bringing something new, inspiring, cost efficient and straightforward. This is just the beginning.’

He continued, ‘I said from the start that our goal was for exhibitors and visitors to leave our event equipped with tangible, business building knowledge and insight, having forged important new relationships and being inspired by the groundbreaking sustainable products and best in class turnkey solutions our industry has to offer. We are now looking forward to an even bigger and better showcase in November next year, when we will hold the event at our next northern powerhouse destination, the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool.’

The next edition of UKPackaging Expo will take place on November 10 and 11 2026, at the Exhibition Centre, located dockside at KingsDock, Liverpool.

For exhibition enquiries and visitor registration, please visit www.ukpackagingexpo.co.uk