Material ConneXion comes to the UK for the first time with exhibition of innovative materials

Material ConneXion (A15, hall 2) is coming to the UK for the first time with a curated exhibition of 45 innovative materials.

Global materials expert Andrew Dent brings a selection of sustainable plastics, pulped fibres, and designs to Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 in Birmingham, showing how smarter material choices can reduce waste, improve performance, and transform the products we use every day.

From evolved plastics to advanced pulped fibres, lightweight protective structures, and ingenious closures, drawing on a database of over 10,000 materials from 7000 global manufacturers, the collection offers a practical, global snapshot of materials and processes ready to transform the way brands design and deliver packaging. Every item is accompanied by technical data, performance metrics, and supplier information, allowing designers and brand owners to move from inspiration to implementation.

‘For us, discovery is meaningless without physical validation,’ said Dr Andrew Dent, executive vice president of materials research at Material ConneXion. ‘Samples are key. Touch and feel are so important. You can love the idea of a material, but unless you know it is going to perform in your application, there is not much point. That is why we bring both the materials and the information that allows designers to make smarter, more resilient choices.’

Andrew will also explore how innovation in packaging need not entail the pursuit of entirely new materials. ‘Often it is about taking an existing chemistry or fibre and pushing it further – changing how it s formed, coated, printed, or combined – to get better performance with lower environmental impact,’ he explained.

Material ConneXion’s presence at Packaging Innovations & Empack reflects the consultancy’s philosophy of early stage engagement and cross-industry insight. With offices and researchers spanning Europe, the US, and Asia, the team continuously monitors global trends and emerging technologies, bringing inspiration from sectors such as fashion, automotive, consumer electronics, and furniture to solve real world packaging challenges.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear Andrew in person during his session, The Future of Sustainable Packaging, presented by Material ConneXion. Scheduled for Thursday, 12 February, 10:30 to 11:00 am, the talk will explore how innovation is unlocking solutions to packaging’s toughest challenges. He will share global insights into new material and process ideas, alongside success stories that show how sustainability, shelf impact, and performance can be achieved together. 

Highlighting his approach to practical innovation, Andrew added: ‘I love innovation, I love esoteric materials, but for something as critical as packaging, we need to stick to a reduced number of materials, ensure they have a full cradle to cradle cycle, and design around those materials. There isn’t going to be a single wonder material that solves all problems. Optimising what we have – commodity plastics like PET and PP, and industrialised paper and pulp – allows us to maintain sustainability while still creating new applications. That is the way forward: bio based sourcing, effective end of life solutions, and smarter design.’

These insights highlight the practical, hands on focus of Material ConneXion’s exhibition and session, giving designers, engineers, and brand owners a clear roadmap to innovate responsibly while boosting product impact. Every idea has a material solution – discover yours at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026. 

Register now to experience it firsthand.