Event organisers Easyfairs have confirmed that over 450 exhibitors are set to pack Birmingham’s NEC in February for Packaging Innovations and Empack 2026, the UK’s premier packaging and processing event.
The two-day showcase will bring together the full spectrum of the packaging community – from brand owners and designers to sustainability managers, procurement specialists, and innovation leaders – offering a unique opportunity to explore the latest materials, technologies, and solutions shaping the industry’s future.
Visitors will discover the latest in packaging design, sustainability, labelling, flexible packaging, co-packing, automation, and print, while hearing from experts on policy, accessibility, and innovation. Curated zones, live machinery demonstrations, and hands-on experiences highlight cutting-edge materials and technologies across the packaging journey. Attendees can engage with leading suppliers, including Amcor, Mondi, Sonoco, Kite Packaging, Allpack, Adpack, and Saica, and connect with over 3,000 brands, including the likes of Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nestlé, P&G, Tesco, Aldi, GSK, Boots, Diageo, and Bakkavor, to benchmark innovation and spark fresh collaboration.
“Whether you are a brand owner seeking packaging that stands out on the shelf, a designer searching for fresh inspiration, or a sustainability lead looking for practical solutions, Packaging Innovations and Empack 2026 provides direct access to the people, products, and knowledge driving the sector forward,” said Chris Newhouse, Head of Sales – UK Packaging Portfolio at Easyfairs. “The show is in the midst of a period of significant growth, reflecting how packaging has captured the mainstream public’s attention. Whether for consumers or brands, there is increasing demand for all industry players to optimise every stage of the packaging journey and unlock its full potential.”
Confirmed exhibitors at Packaging Innovations include leading specialists such as Thrace Group, Saica Flex, Elopak, Amcor, and Swisspack Europe, whose refillable FORMIL spout pouch for Lidl won last year’s Innovation Gallery. Sheard Packaging, the show’s official Innovation Partner, will showcase its sustainable corrugated solutions.
Bedford-based Carlton Packaging will demonstrate its smarter e-commerce and fulfilment solutions, including Rapilock Pro, Rapireturn, and the Xtaper automatic dispenser for biodegradable paper tape. Coveris’ flexible pouches, sleeves, and film laminates sit alongside Zeus Packaging Group’s end-to-end packaging, labelling, and automation solutions for food, beverage, e-commerce, industrial, and healthcare sectors, while Reflex Group and Autojon – Simply Cartons highlight labels, cartons, sleeves, and constructional packaging innovation.
Foodservice Packaging Association members will showcase sustainable and functional solutions, including Huhtamaki’s paper cups, fibre lids, fluted and folding cartons, hot and chilled food containers, bakery and ovenable trays, confectionery hampers, and e-commerce packs.
In the Smart Packaging Zone, visitors can see how web-to-print workflows, label verification, tamper-proof holograms, serialised QR codes, and AI-driven packaging solutions are transforming operations. The Innovation Inn returns to Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025, bringing Infigo, HYBRID Software, and CERM together to demonstrate the power of connected, automated workflows—served with a side of craft beer and collaboration.
Join over 7,400 visitors, explore more than 450 suppliers, and hear from 80 expert speakers at Packaging Innovations and Empack 2026. Over two days, attendees can experience the entire packaging supply chain unfolding in real time – from design inspiration to finished product.
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