PREVIEW Packaging Innovations & Empack


PACKAGING THAT’S FIT FOR THE FUTURE


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


O


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.


Bringing together the entire packaging supply chain under one roof, the event   design, materials, automation, machinery, co-packing, and end-of-line operations in a  “Every year, thousands of professionals gather at Birmingham’s NEC to ask a simple  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.”


 biggest packaging event, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 will welcome over 7,400 visitors, feature 450+ suppliers,  decision-makers from more than 3,000 brands. Attendees span industries including food and drink, beauty and personal care,  premium products, healthcare and pharma, and retail and e-commerce.  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.  


30 January 2026 | Automation


Nestlé, Sainsbury’s, P&G, Coca-Cola, Red Bull, ghd, Boots, Diageo, ASDA,  year after year, making the show a vital benchmarking and networking opportunity. “It’s the go-to all-in-one packaging event  Packaging Technologist at Waitrose. “It’s where you can educate yourself, network, and bring yourself up to speed.”  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  breakthrough technology. New for 2026, the Start-up Zone will shine a spotlight on the  while the Automation & Robotics Wall will give visitors a front-row seat to  transformation across the packaging supply  take part in Pitch the Co-packers, a high- energy, Dragon’s Den-style competition    These additions sit alongside returning highlights such as the Innovation Gallery,   Packaging Association, The Contract Pack


  four CPD-accredited conference stages,  the VIP Lounge, Cocktail Bar, and Beer Bar. Across the show, visitors can gain    businesses navigate policy change, reduce waste, cut costs, and future-proof their packaging strategies.


   Newcode Partnership, Reeco Automation, Rowlinson Packaging, Sovereign Labelling  Packaging, and Yorkshire Packaging Systems.


 been unveiled, with four dedicated stages showcasing industry leaders, innovators,  challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of packaging.


 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  Register for free via the website.


Packaging Innovations & Empack www.packagingbirmingham.com


automationmagazine.co.uk


PACKAGING THAT’S FIT FOR THE FUTURE


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