Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, taking place on 11 & 12 February at Birmingham’s NEC, is seeing strong demand for visitor passes, with registrations surging ahead of the festive season. The spike reflects the industry’s urgent need for clarity, innovation, and future-ready solutions as brands prepare for major regulatory and market shifts set to reshape the landscape in the latter half of the 2020s.
This growing demand comes as the show shapes up to be its most ambitious and future-focused edition yet, with organisers Easyfairs unveiling a host of new features designed to spotlight disruptive thinking, breakthrough technologies, and professional development across the full packaging supply chain. “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.”
New for 2026, the Start-up Zone will shine a spotlight on the next generation of disruptive businesses. With AI accelerating the pace of innovation, emerging companies like Stockholm-based Liplid, which develops unique and sustainable cup lids for beverages on the go; MarinaTex, a home-compostable alternative to plastic film; and waste intelligence automation experts Greyparrot, are reshaping the global packaging landscape, giving visitors the opportunity to discover their next creative breakthrough within a curated showcase of future talent.
Innovation continues to take centre stage in the brand-new Discovery Theatre, a platform dedicated to visionary thinking from start-ups, SMEs, and pioneering suppliers. For attendees seeking a window into the future of packaging, this is where they will hear directly from the organisations defining it.
Founders and innovators looking to raise their profile can take part in Pitch the Co-packers, a high-energy, Dragon’s Den-style contest offering the chance to present ideas to an expert judging panel, with prizes including funding support, exclusive networking opportunities, and invaluable exposure.
“Packaging Innovations & Empack has always been about more than products,” added Brooks. “Visitors come not just to see what’s on the market today, but to discover the sparks of innovation that will shape the industry tomorrow. From start-ups and trailblazers to cutting-edge technology, 2026 will set the tone for what’s next in packaging innovation.”
These new additions join returning highlights, including the Future Trailblazers ceremony, which celebrates the rising creative and technical talent in the industry. Visitors can also expect the Innovation Gallery, Smart Packaging Zone, Foodservice Zone in partnership with the Foodservice Packaging Association, four conference stages, and numerous networking areas, ensuring a show floor rich with opportunity.
Co-located with Empack and Contract Pack & Fulfilment in partnership with the BCMPA, the event brings the entire end-to-end packaging value chain together under one roof. Attendees will find more than 450 suppliers, 7,500 visitors, and over 80 expert speakers delivering insights on the trends shaping tomorrow’s market.
As the sector navigates rapid technological, economic, and consumer shifts, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 stands out as a guiding force, offering clarity, vision, and a platform for meaningful collaboration. Visitor passes are free but in high demand, and organisers urge professionals to register now to secure their place and ensure they don’t miss out on the show’s full programme.