Packaging Innovations
Packaging Innoavations & Empack 2025
The UK’s premier packaging event arrived at the NEC, delivering unmissable insights on sustainability, regulatory shifts, and cutting-edge technology shaping the industry’s future.
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he Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 exhibition at the NEC once again proved to be a landmark event for the packaging industry, drawing in crowds eager to explore cutting-
edge solutions, network with key players, and engage in insightful discussions. Across multiple days, the event demonstrated its vital role in shaping the future of packaging, particularly in driving sustainability and compliance with new regulatory frameworks.
Day one set the stage for an unforgettable
event, with industry professionals gathering to discuss major developments in packaging regulations and technological advancements. presentation of PackUK, the administrator of the UK’s pEPR scheme. Sebastian Munden, Chair of the EPR scheme administrator, hosted a panel featuring representatives from across the four nations, including Rhodri Asby (Welsh Government), Emma Bourne OBE (DEFRA), Shane Doris (Department for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland), and David McPhee (Scottish Government). Addressing a packed audience, Munden stated, “This is an important milestone in the UK’s commitment to modernise packaging, waste management, and eliminate the idea of waste as we transition to a circular economy.”
The day also featured discussions on the rise Kennedy’s Confection February 2025
also proved a major hit, with hosts Robbie Staniforth and James Piper leading discussions on sustainable premium paper packaging. William Connolly of Diageo noted, “This event is a catalyst for connection. It’s a key gathering that brings together professionals from various roles, industries, and companies.”
of connected packaging, with Jenny Stanley, Managing Director of Appetite Creative, leading a panel on its business impact. “Connected packaging impacts businesses across their entire operations. Those who can envisage the business case will be the ones who make connected packaging work and succeed, wherever they sit in the business,” she remarked.
The power of AI in packaging design and innovation was another hot topic, with Tey Bannerman of McKinsey & Company emphasizing AI’s evolving role. “AI is early in its development but is becoming more accessible. Creativity is changing drastically, with AI allowing it at greater speed and scale than ever before, for more people.”
Day two continued the momentum with in- depth discussions around packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR). Mary Creagh MP, Minister for Nature at DEFRA, chaired a key panel discussion featuring industry leaders such as Andrew Cassels (Strategic Investment Board), Jim Bligh (Food & Drink Federation), Talia Goldman (Colpac), and Paul Vanston (INCPEN). The panel addressed the complexities of pEPR, the necessity of collaboration across the value of stakeholder involvement, stating, “We are in the middle of a very big system change. We are starting on this journey together with goodwill and everyone wanting to do the right thing.” Furthering the industry’s collaborative
efforts, Vanston announced the launch of three key working groups—Recyclability Effectiveness,
and Communication and
Behavior Change. “We’re not just here to talk about PackUK,” he added. “PackUK is getting on with action. Many of us can join these
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