Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 is set to bring the most forward-thinking ideas in packaging to life in its blockbuster Discovery Theatre, sponsored by creative brand packaging agency Sun Branding.
The Discovery Theatre will showcase start-ups, SMEs, and suppliers pioneering solutions in AI, smart packaging, circular materials, and sustainability on both days of the show, held on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 February. Attendees will gain insight into technologies and strategies shaping the future of packaging, from operational efficiency to consumer engagement.
The first day will open with Acentrixia Ltd (10:30-10:50), where Lena Yip, Sales Director, will demonstrate how reusable insulated takeaway bags are redefining food delivery. By combining superior heat retention, durability, and branded style, these bags offer a smarter, more sustainable alternative to disposable carriers.
Lena said: "Packaging Innovations & Empack provides the ideal platform for us to demonstrate how sustainable packaging can also be commercially practical and brand building. Its reusable insulated thermal delivery bags replace disposable plastic carriers, helping businesses reduce waste, keep food hotter for longer, and promote their brand every time the bag is reused by customers. By showcasing these solutions at the show, Acentrixia aims to support operators, wholesalers and distributors in transitioning to more responsible packaging systems that deliver real environmental and business benefits."
At 11:00, Dr. Russell Sion, Managing Director at Jenton Dimaco, will explore how AI-driven pack verification can identify mislabelling or damaged packaging early in the production process, helping brands reduce food waste while preserving product quality. Later, at 12:30, Yaseed Chuamoo, Managing Director at GreyParrot, will showcase the Deepnest AI platform, illustrating how real-world waste analytics can help brands track recyclability, comply with regulation, and manage Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) costs. Yaseed said: "2025 showed that packaging ambition and reality are still far apart. 2026 will be the year where brands that design for the sorting line lock in an advantage – in cost, in resilience and in access to markets – and those that don’t start to feel it in their invoices."
Meanwhile, attendees will also discover flexible, bio-based materials from MarinaTex, AI-enabled workflow automation with Hybrid Software, secure and connected packaging with KURZ SCRIBOS (1:00 PM, Dr. Steffen Scheibenstock), Digital Product Passports with PackPeer, the EU-backed Packaging of the Future project, and child-resistant innovations from Packaging Concepts Associates. At 13:30, Andy Johnson, Commercial Director at Sun Branding, will explore how packaging can create emotional connections, highlighting design trends that reflect consumer feelings - from familiar moments of joy to the delight of the unexpected.
Dr. Scheibenstock said: "I’m excited to share how packaging can become a powerful brand-consumer touchpoint. My talk will showcase real-world examples of integrating brand protection, stunning design, and connected features—making innovation both practical and impactful for brands. With smart packaging, brands build trust and engagement. QR codes confirm authenticity, share product insights, and connect to digital platforms. The best approach? A design that unites security, connectivity, and consumer benefits in one seamless solution."
Phil Gaskin, Business Development Channel Manager at XMPie, added: "I’m delighted to be exhibiting at Packaging Innovations & Empack at the NEC and even more thrilled to present in the Discovery Theatre—a stage for the industry’s most forward-thinking ideas. It’s the perfect platform to share how brands can deliver customised packaging while streamlining production through MIS automation, data-driven design, 3D visualisation, AI-powered content, and connected packaging to unlock true brand to consumer engagement."
Day two will focus on sustainable materials, circular design, and smart packaging. Aleksandrina Topalova, Business Development at Trakya Pack, will highlight moulded pulp as a scalable alternative to plastics, showing how it reduces product damage, optimises logistics, and supports sustainability. Aleksandrina said: "We’re excited to take the stage at the Discovery Theatre to show how moulded pulp packaging makes operations smarter, safer, and greener. It’s a chance to explore practical solutions that protect products, optimize efficiency, and support sustainability."
At 11:00, Gregorio Ossola, Corporate Solutions at one.five, will reveal how a data-driven approach to barrier materials can unlock high-performance, sustainable packaging. Later, at 12:00, a session on the Phygital Loop will demonstrate how smart packaging can create a bidirectional touchpoint, enabling brands to engage consumers, build loyalty, and capture first-party data insights.
Meanwhile, attendees will explore the entrepreneurial journey of Ace Group Packaging, fibre-based solutions with Trakya Pack, and the broader potential of circular and connected packaging. They will also hear from George Wade, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Zevero Earth, on how packaging emissions data is moving beyond compliance to inform smarter commercial decision-making, alongside insights from ESKO, CarbonQuota, EPS, and XMPie on automated, brand-perfect, sustainable production workflows, and on-brand smart packaging journeys that combine AI-driven content, 3D visualisation, and connected packaging to deliver measurable consumer engagement.
Over both days, the Discovery Theatre will offer a concentrated showcase of the future of packaging, blending AI, smart technology, and circular materials to inspire practical, sustainable, and consumer-focused solutions for manufacturers, brand owners, and packaging professionals alike.
Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 will take place on February 11 & 12 at the NEC, Birmingham. To secure your place at the Discovery Theatre and explore the future of packaging, register now.