The record-breaking Packaging Improvements & Empack 2026 united the UK’s packaging trade, spotlighting sustainable, breakthrough improvements, and the subsequent technology of trailblazing expertise.
The twenty first version of Packaging Improvements & Empack 2026 has closed to overwhelming acclaim, attracting 8,021 distinctive guests, an 8% enhance on the earlier yr. The occasion continues to cement its place because the UK’s premier packaging trade showcase.
This yr’s version featured over 500 exhibitors, highlighting the present’s fast progress and rising trade relevance. Explosive exhibitor progress means the subsequent version will broaden into Halls 6-9 on 24 & 25 February 2027, offering much more area for innovation, merchandise, and types.
Attendees from over 3,000 manufacturers explored 1000’s of merchandise and gained insights from 120+ professional audio system, all beneath one roof. The packed programme provided interactive demonstrations, thought management talks, and networking alternatives, spotlighting rising developments, innovation, and sustainable options throughout the packaging sector.
Packaging Improvements & Empack 2026 at Birmingham’s NEC introduced collectively a whole bunch of main manufacturers, exhibitors, and trade specialists to showcase the UK packaging sector’s cutting-edge improvements and sustainability breakthroughs. Over two record-breaking days, the occasion highlighted round design options, data-driven recyclability initiatives, and artistic approaches throughout supplies, automation, AI, and bespoke processing, all whereas emphasising collaboration, operational excellence, and forward-thinking design.
Sustainability and circularity had been central themes, with improvements corresponding to Prevented Ocean Plastic™’s first-ever food-safe recycled polypropylene, Fort Color’s plastic-free FibreGuard board, and Westpak Group’s GrabLok™ linerless tamper-evident closure, demonstrating sensible options for lowering environmental affect. In a nod to ongoing challenges in small-format packaging, Futamura, Repaq, and GK Sondermaschinenbau showcased a brand new totally compostable sachet answer for condiments, sauces, and private care merchandise.
Business leaders together with Pack UK, Trade for Change, Nestlé, Recoup, GS1 UK, WRAP, Terracycle, Biffa, McKinsey and Materials Connexion, shared insights on Prolonged Producer Duty (EPR), the upcoming UK deposit return scheme, and the significance of system-wide coordination to make recyclability and circularity a actuality. International manufacturers corresponding to Boots, Diageo, Unilever, Mondelēz, Amazon, and Tesco walked the busy aisles, exploring improvements and connecting with suppliers, whereas no fewer than 10 new present options underscored how collaboration and forward-thinking design are driving a extra sustainable, round future for the UK packaging trade.
The Future Trailblazers Awards celebrated the subsequent technology of packaging professionals driving creativity, operational affect, and sustainability, whereas exhibitors corresponding to Sheard Packaging, IPS, Innovia Movies, Harkwell Labels, Westpak Group, Sovereign Labelling Machines, and Klöckner Pentaplast reported sturdy engagement and high-quality customer interactions. Throughout levels, demonstrations, and the Innovation Gallery, the occasion highlighted how innovation, collaboration, and strategic planning are shaping the subsequent chapter of UK packaging, setting the tone forward of London Packaging Week in September 2026.
“From breakthrough improvements and reside equipment demonstrations to expert-led insights and high-value networking, Packaging Improvements & Empack 2026 united the manufacturers, suppliers, and concepts shaping the way forward for packaging,” stated Josh Brooks, Divisional Director – Packaging Portfolio at Easyfairs. “Packed convention classes, standing-room-only talks, and a vibrant present ground highlighted how the trade is driving sustainability, advancing know-how, and rethinking design, and proving that packaging doesn’t observe the market, it units the tempo. Throughout supplies, equipment, and round options, the occasion showcased how innovation interprets immediately into efficiency, elevated buyer expertise, and business progress. Two days of vitality, discovery, and connection underscored one fact: the UK packaging and processing sector is stronger, smarter, and extra bold than ever.”
Don’t miss out on the subsequent chapter of UK packaging innovation. Register your curiosity now for Packaging Improvements & Empack 2027, going down on 24 & 25 February 2027 at Birmingham’s NEC. Be among the many first to safe your house on the expanded present, that includes much more exhibitors, professional insights, and cutting-edge options shaping the way forward for packaging.
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