One hundred days to go until Packaging Innovations and Empack 2026

With just 100 days to go, the countdown has officially begun for Packaging Innovations and Empack 2026, returning to the NEC Birmingham on 11 and 12 February. Bringing together 450 suppliers and 80 expert speakers, the 2026 edition promises two days of discovery, inspiration, and connection. Visitors will explore the full packaging journey under one roof, from concept to fulfilment, across three co-located events: Packaging Innovations (design and materials), Empack (automation and machinery), and Contract Pack & Fulfilment (outsourcing and logistics).

Whether your focus is sustainability, automation, or cutting edge materials, this year’s show offers curated zones, live machinery demos, and hands on experiences for every corner of the industry. Visitors can explore suppliers such as Allpack, Taghleef, Acopia Group, Adpak Machinery Systems, Hazel 4D, Jenton Group, Loadhog, PicknPack, Randex, Protega Global, and Steadfast Tapes, representing every stage of the packaging journey. They can also connect with leading brands, including Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nestlé, P&G, Tesco, Aldi, GSK, Boots, Diageo, and Bakkavor, who return year after year to benchmark innovation, meet new partners, and spark fresh collaboration.

‘Packaging Innovations and Empack has always been about connecting the right people with the right ideas,’ said Josh Brooks, Divisional director – packaging portfolio at Easyfairs. ‘This year, we are creating more opportunities than ever for visitors to see innovation in action – from live technology and machinery demonstrations to the Innovation Gallery, where the boldest and most practical packaging ideas take centre stage. Whether you are focused on sustainability, automation, or cutting edge materials, the show offers a 360° view of how our industry is transforming, with every stage of the packaging process represented under one roof.’

Packed with more new features than ever before, Packaging Innovations and Empack 2026 offers visitors a front row seat to the latest developments across the industry. Attendees can explore the Innovation Gallery, a curated showcase of bold concepts and practical innovations, culminating in a live reveal of the winning entry. The Startup Zone runs alongside this, giving emerging brands and early stage innovators a platform to showcase fresh ideas, connect with potential partners, and gain visibility among leading industry professionals. Meanwhile, the Future Trailblazer Awards, in partnership with IOM3, celebrate the rising stars shaping the next era of packaging, and the BCMPA’s Pitch the Co-Packers invites start ups and early stage brands to pitch their big ideas live for a chance to win £1500 and expert consultancy. Together, these features highlight the show’s commitment to innovation, talent development, and supporting the next generation of packaging leaders.

For hands on learning and practical insight, visitors can book onto one of the Expert Trails or take an Empack Tour to see live demonstrations of machinery and automation transforming packaging and production operations. On the show floor, the Automation & Robotics Wall brings live demonstrations of machinery and smart manufacturing technologies, giving visitors a front row seat to the innovations driving efficiency and transformation across the packaging supply chain. They can also access tailored one to one sessions and CPD accredited workshops with specialists covering policy, printing, outsourcing, materials, and more. Meanwhile, the Discovery Theatre offers a front row seat to insights from start ups, SMEs, and suppliers showcasing breakthrough technologies, giving attendees the opportunity to discover the next generation of packaging solutions and connect with experts driving innovation across the industry.

The first wave of speakers has also been announced. Confirmed names include Alison Bramfitt, head of packaging at Nestlé; Mike Williams, co-founder, Fraser Blake; Jude Pullen, creative technologist; Amy Hooper, innovation manager at Biffa; and Paul Horton, principal – packaging and graphics at Diageo. They will join experts from PackUK, DEFRA, and WRAP to explore key themes such as circular realities, tech enabled futures, policy to practice, and material matters – tackling real world challenges through innovation, insight, and collaboration.

Register now to secure your place at Packaging Innovations and Empack 2026, discover the latest innovations, meet leading brands and suppliers, and connect with the experts shaping the future of packaging.