Packaging Improvements & Empack 2026 brings the way forward for packaging to life with new zones, breakthrough applied sciences, and expert-led experiences designed to encourage, inform, and join each stage of the provision chain.
What’s subsequent for the packaging trade? Yearly, companies from the world over collect underneath one roof on the Birmingham NEC to get solutions to this query. As we tick over into the latter half of the 2020s, all eyes are firmly mounted on what the long run will carry – notably as suppliers and types put together for quite a few key regulatory deadlines. Famend for protecting its finger on the heart beat of this fast-paced trade, Packaging Improvements & Empack 2026 guarantees to be probably the most forward-thinking present but. Whereas it continues to signify each stage of the packaging journey, from design to fulfilment, the 2026 version introduces a number of new options and experiences designed to ship much more worth to attendees and exhibitors.
Uncover Tomorrow’s Supplies: Materials ConneXion
Materials ConneXion’s curated showcase highlights the supplies reworking the merchandise of tomorrow. From breakthrough textiles and sustainable composites to superior polymers, its interactive show demonstrates how sensible materials decisions drive innovation. Guests can discover how efficiency, sustainability, and context mix to create smarter, extra resilient packaging options. (Stand A15 – Corridor 2)
Be taught from Failure: Museum of Failure (MoF)
Innovation usually begins with errors – and the Museum of Failure turns missteps into classes for the long run. From Kodak’s digital digital camera to trendy AI errors, guests discover many years of company misjudgements, uncovering recurring traps that may undermine even one of the best concepts. The workshop gives sensible perception for designing next-generation supplies, packaging options, automation, and sustainable improvements, displaying how studying from failure can speed up progress. (Stand A11 – Corridor 2)
Equipment in Motion: Guided Empack Excursions
Designed for these chargeable for protecting manufacturing environment friendly, aggressive, and shifting, the Empack Equipment & Processing Excursions lower by the noise of the present flooring. Be a part of a guided session that brings you on to the equipment, automation, and processing options reworking packaging and manufacturing operations.
See dwell demonstrations, acquire sensible insights, and go away with a transparent understanding of how at this time’s expertise can enhance effectivity, scale back danger, and unlock capability in your operation. Curated for velocity and relevance, every tour is a targeted, one-hour expertise (1pm–2pm) with restricted locations accessible on a first-come, first-served foundation. You’ll be in good firm with representatives from firms corresponding to Prims E-Logistics, BW Packaging, Sealed Air already booked to attend. (Assembly level is positioned at Corridor 3a entrance)
Highlight on Rising Concepts: Discovery Theatre
Begin-ups, SMEs, and suppliers take centre stage on the Discovery Theatre, presenting breakthrough applied sciences corresponding to AI and sensible packaging. This platform sparks new considering and gives a uncommon glimpse of what’s on the horizon, giving attendees inspiration for their very own innovation methods. (Stand Q160 – Corridor 3a)
Innovation Beneath Stress: Pitch the Co-Packers Competitors
In partnership with the BCMPA, start-ups and challenger manufacturers have the prospect to pitch their concepts to trade consultants in a fast-paced, Dragon’s Den-style contest. With networking, funding, and visibility on provide, the competitors reveals innovation underneath strain and highlights the collaborative spirit driving the packaging sector ahead. (12 Feb, 11:30–12:30, Provide Chain Stage W160 – Corridor 3a)
Advance Your Abilities: CPD-Accredited Periods
Throughout two days, the CPD-accredited programme delivers sensible insights on automation, robotics, AI, compliance, and sustainability. Operations, engineering, and provide chain professionals acquire instantly actionable methods to enhance packaging traces, effectivity, and operational resilience. (Provide Chain Stage W160 – Corridor 3a)
Begin-Up Zone & 1-2-1 Knowledgeable Path
The Begin-Up Zone shines a highlight on rising companies, whereas the 1-2-1 Knowledgeable Path connects attendees with specialists throughout coverage, sustainability, and provide chain technique. From Smithers and BCMPA to PackUK and the UK Midlands Packaging Society, every cease gives authoritative steerage, serving to companies navigate regulation, scale back waste, and future-proof their packaging operations. (Corridor 3a)
Sheard Packaging Innovation Showcase
Sheard Packaging’s Cellular Innovation Centre (MiC) brings design, testing, and problem-solving straight to the present flooring. With a high-spec design studio, dwell sampling, onboard lab, and collaboration instruments, MiC allows real-time innovation, sooner decision-making, and smarter packaging options. (Stand A80 – Corridor 2)
Automation & Robotics Zone
Discover the most recent robotics and automation improvements designed to streamline operations and enhance effectivity. Guests can see dwell demonstrations, expertise the applied sciences in motion, and acquire perception into how these options are shaping the way forward for packaging. Uncover sensible purposes and think about how robotics and automation may rework what you are promoting. (Corridor 3a)
Celebrating Expertise and Creativity
The Future Trailblazers Awards, in partnership with IOM3, recognises rising stars driving innovation throughout packaging. Alongside, the Exhibitor Innovation Gallery highlights ten standout breakthroughs in design, supplies, and performance, offering inspiration for each customer seeking to keep forward of the curve.
Calm down, Join, and Have a good time
Networking is vital to innovation. From the Beer Bar and Cocktail Bar to the VIP and Exhibitor Lounges, attendees can recharge, spark conversations, and have fun creativity — proving that inspiration usually comes as a lot from connections as from expertise.
A Platform for Each Skilled
With over 450 suppliers, 7,500 guests, and 80+ professional audio system, Packaging Improvements & Empack 2026 has one thing for everybody. Whether or not exploring supplies, studying from failure, experiencing automation first-hand, or pitching the subsequent huge thought, this showcase delivers readability, perception, and alternative in an ever-evolving trade.
Don’t miss out. Safe your free ticket now and be a part of the conversations, applied sciences, and insights defining the way forward for packaging.
The publish Over 10 new present options revealed for Packaging Improvements & Empack 2026 first appeared on Warehouse & Logistics Information.
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