PACKAGING INNOVATIONS & EMPACK PREVIEW
READY FOR AN ACTION-PACKED DAY AT THE NEC?
Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, the UK’s biggest packaging event, returns to Birmingham’s NEC on 11th & 12th February. The event will bring the entire packaging supply chain together for two days of
innovation, insight, and collaboration
rganisers say momentum is building for Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, with the event shaping up to be its most ambitious and future-focused edition yet. This is driven by an industry-wide need for clarity, innovation, and practical solutions as regulatory, technological, and consumer pressures intensify.
O Concept to fulfillment
Bringing together the entire packaging supply chain under one roof, the event offers an opportunity to move from concept to fulfilment in just two days, connecting design, materials, automation, machinery, co-packing, and end-of-line operations in a single, joined- up experience.
“Every year, thousands of professionals gather at Birmingham’s NEC to ask a simple but pressing question: what’s next for the packaging industry?” said Josh Brooks, Divisional Director – Packaging Portfolio at Easyfairs. “In 2026, the answer will be more comprehensive, actionable, and forward- looking than ever. This is about helping the industry solve real challenges, benchmark innovation, and leave with practical strategies for the future.” Now firmly established as the UK’s biggest packaging event, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 will welcome over 7,400 visitors, feature 450+ suppliers, host 80+ expert speakers, and attract decision-makers from more than 3,000 brands. Attendees span industries including food and drink, personal care, household and consumer goods, luxury and premium products, healthcare and pharma, and retail and e-commerce.
32 JANUARY 2026 | PROCESS & CONTROL
Visitors can expect to meet brand owners and marketers, packaging designers and technologists, sustainability managers, procurement and R&D specialists, and innovation and product development leaders, all navigating shared challenges around compliance, cost pressures, automation, sustainability, and performance. Major brand decision-makers from companies such as Unilever, Aldi, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Sainsbury’s, P&G, Coca-Cola, Red Bull, ghd, Boots, Diageo, ASDA, Heinz, Costa Coffee, and Amazon attend year after year, making the show a vital benchmarking and networking opportunity. “It’s the go-to all-in-one packaging event in the UK of the year,” said Ben Fiennes, Packaging Technologist at Waitrose. “It’s where you can educate yourself, network, and bring yourself up to speed.”
Alexander Speakman, Senior Packaging Sustainability Specialist at Diageo, added: “The highlights are fairly split between the quality of the conference and the discussion groups, and between meeting people, which is fundamentally the reason to go to these shows. The scale of the show is fantastic.” At the heart of the 2026 edition is an expanded focus on disruptive thinking and breakthrough technology. New for 2026, the Start-up Zone will shine a spotlight on the next generation of disruptive businesses, while the Automation & Robotics Wall will give visitors a front-row seat to the innovations driving efficiency and transformation across the packaging supply chain. Founders and innovators can also take part in Pitch the Co- packers, a high-energy, Dragon’s Den-style competition offering the chance to present to an expert judging panel and gain funding support, exposure, and strategic connections. These additions sit alongside returning
highlights such as the Innovation Gallery, Smart Packaging Zone, Foodservice Zone in partnership with the Foodservice Packaging Association, The Contract Pack & Fulfilment Zone in partnerships with BCMPA, the Future Trailblazers Awards, four CPD-accredited conference stages, and extensive networking spaces including the VIP Lounge, Cocktail Bar, and Beer Bar. Across the show, visitors can gain practical guidance through the Pack UK Clinic, DEFRA-led sessions, the FPA Big Debate, and the 1-2-1 Expert Trail, helping businesses navigate policy change, reduce waste, cut costs, and future-proof their packaging strategies. Of the 450+ exhibitors, many will be attending for the first time, including Modulpac, alongside Measurlabs UK, Newcode Partnership, Reeco Automation, Rowlinson Packaging, Sovereign Labelling Machines, SUNALA, Trioworld UK, Wessex Packaging, and Yorkshire Packaging Systems.
Dedicated stages The first wave of speakers has also been unveiled, with four dedicated stages showcasing industry leaders, innovators, and experts who will examine the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of packaging.
Further underlining its commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and positive behaviour change, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 has announced a new charity partnership with Hubbub, the award-winning creative charity known for helping people and businesses think differently about waste and recycling.
Register for free via the website.
Packaging Innovations & Empack
www.packagingbirmingham.com
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