In 50 days, the Packaging Innovations & Empack trade fair, described as the largest packaging event in the United Kingdom, will begin at the NEC in Birmingham. The event will take place on 11–12 February 2026 and is intended to bring the entire packaging supply chain together in one location, from design and material selection, through automation and machinery, to co-packing and end-of-line operations. The organisers emphasise that the show is set to be the most future-focused and practical edition in its history, in response to growing regulatory, technological and consumer pressure on the packaging sector.
"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."
The organisers estimate that Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 will attract over 7,400 attendees and will host more than 450 suppliers and over 80 speakers. Decision-makers are expected from more than 3,000 brands across sectors including food and drink, beauty and personal care, household and consumer goods, luxury and premium products, healthcare and pharma, as well as retail and e-commerce. Attendees will include brand owners and marketers, packaging designers and technologists, sustainability managers, procurement and R&D specialists, and innovation and product development leaders, all facing similar challenges in regulatory compliance, cost pressures, automation, sustainability and packaging performance.
The event regularly attracts decision-makers from many global companies such as Unilever, Aldi, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Sainsbury’s, P&G, Coca-Cola, Red Bull, ghd, Boots, Diageo, ASDA, Heinz, Costa Coffee and Amazon, who attend year after year, treating the show as an important opportunity for benchmarking and business networking. "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, also highlighted the importance of the conference and meetings. "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," he said.
New zones for innovation, automation and start-ups
The core of the 2026 edition is an expanded focus on disruptive thinking and breakthrough technologies. A new feature will be the Start-up Zone, designed to bring together young, innovative companies offering potentially disruptive solutions to the packaging value chain. The Automation & Robotics Wall will give visitors a direct view of automation and robotics solutions that influence process efficiency and transform the entire packaging supply chain.
Company founders and innovators will be able to take part in the Pitch the Co-packers competition, described as a high-energy, Dragon’s Den-style pitching format. Participants will present their solutions to a panel of experts, with the opportunity to gain funding support, increased visibility and strategic business connections.
Themed zones, conferences and advisory formats
The new programme elements are complemented by returning zones and initiatives. These include the Innovation Gallery, the Smart Packaging Zone, the Foodservice Zone organised in partnership with the Foodservice Packaging Association, and the Contract Pack & Fulfilment Zone delivered in partnership with BCMPA. In addition, the Future Trailblazers Awards competition is planned, along with four conference stages with CPD-accredited content. Networking spaces such as the VIP Lounge, Cocktail Bar and Beer Bar are also set to be expanded. During the show, visitors will be able to access practical guidance through the Pack UK Clinic, DEFRA-led sessions, the FPA Big Debate and the 1-2-1 Expert Trail advisory path. These initiatives are intended to help companies navigate policy change, reduce waste, cut costs and adapt their packaging strategies to future market requirements.
Record exhibitor line-up and attendee profile
The 2026 edition is expected to host a record-breaking line-up of more than 450 confirmed exhibitors, reflecting the scale and diversity of the UK packaging sector. The exhibitor list includes global companies such as Amcor, Mondi Group, Sonoco, Huhtamaki, Kite Packaging and Coveris Group. Their portfolios will be complemented by innovators and specialised firms including Acentrixia Ltd, PSG Group International, Sheard Packaging, which will present its Mobile Innovation Centre, Autopack Limited, IPS, and Amcor Health, Beauty & Wellness.
First-time exhibitors will include Modulpac, Measurlabs UK, Newcode Partnership, Reeco Automation Ltd, Rowlinson Packaging Ltd, Sovereign Labelling Machines Ltd, SUNALA Limited, Trioworld UK Ltd, Wessex Packaging and Yorkshire Packaging Systems. This will enable visitors to explore current developments in packaging materials, machinery, automation, co-packing services and solutions focused on sustainable packaging.
Partnership with Hubbub and focus on sustainability
The organisers also highlight the importance of sustainability, accessibility and positive behavioural change. Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 has established a new charity partnership with Hubbub, described as a creative charity that helps people and businesses think differently about waste and recycling. At the show, visitors will be able to see one of Hubbub’s characteristic installations, the Big Ballot Bin, an interactive waste collection solution that invites people to "vote with their rubbish".
According to the organisers, in the context of rapid change in the packaging sector, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 is intended to serve as a platform for structuring knowledge and enabling collaboration at every stage of the development and implementation of packaging solutions. Visitor entry is free, but due to strong interest early registration is recommended to secure participation in what is described as the UK’s flagship event for the packaging and processing industry.
