As the packaging industry definitively moves from sustainability pledges and commitments to actions and implementations that positively impact the environment, data is imperative to businesses up and down the packaging value chain.
This will mean exhibitors showcasing the systems and tools to collect, collate, and comprehend environmental data and performance are set to be in high demand at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026.
In a time when a robust sustainability story is an expectation not the exception, environmental performance and regulatory compliance are rapidly becoming defining forces that are shaping how the packaging industry operates, innovates, and competes.
Moreover, as legislation tightens and consumer scrutiny intensifies, packaging companies must navigate a complex landscape where transparency, circularity, and the responsible use of resources are essential.
It is in this setting that environmental and compliance services have become critical to transformation. While not new, they have become essential to the success of all packaging stakeholders, from material suppliers, press manufacturers, printers, and converters to the brands and retailers themselves.
At Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, attendees at the event will have the opportunity to explore the systems and services available to help them ensure they are compliant and reporting the right data, in the right detail, at the right time.
Calculating the costs
Beyondly (H150) is a B Corp certified environmental compliance scheme and consultancy, empowering businesses to meet their legal obligations and lead through sustainable innovation to go beyond Net Zero.
The business is committed to navigating the changing world of compliance and sustainability, with the aim of helping businesses become more confident about their environmental choices. Whether meeting compliance obligations, excelling in managing environmental data, and/or achieving the sustainability expectations of all stakeholders, Beyondly endeavours to be a partner and facilitator of action by allowing packaging businesses to navigate the changing environmental landscape.
Ecosurety (F70) is similarly committed to accelerating change towards an environmentally sustainable world. As evidence of this, the compliance scheme has been B Corp certified since 2020.
Through collaboration, Ecosurety ensures its members comply with the UK’s packaging regulations and enables businesses to make sustainable product and packaging decisions.
Ecosurety also supports efficient and transparent investment in UK recycling projects through improved infrastructure, innovation, and consumer awareness campaigns.
Valpak (J156) is an environmental compliance scheme that already manages the recycling obligations of over 5000 UK businesses under producer responsibility laws.
Its services are focused on packaging, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries, both in the UK and internationally, as well as environmental consultancy, waste management, and supply chain transparency.
Services offered by Valpak include lifecycle assessments (LCAs), packaging analysis, packaging technology consultancy, and reporting.
Valpak’s Insight Platform is designed to provide a clear view of product and supplier data, enabling businesses to report on and manage performance, make informed decisions, and demonstrate due diligence with regard to compliance and sustainability.
The Platform consists of three different suites (Product Data, Sustainable Development and Global View), which enable users to easily review and interrogate their data using different reporting functions. Depending on priorities, there is a choice of suites to enhance reporting.
Wastepack Group (J160) has over two decades of experience as an expert compliance partner for producers. Wastepack has extensive knowledge of packaging and WEEE compliance, alongside other related environmental issues and legislation such as WEEE collections, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and the Plastic Packaging Tax.
Alongside EPR guidance and PPT payments, Wastepack’s recyclability assessment methodology (RAM) data service helps packaging businesses save time on manual assessments, avoid costly RED penalties, stay audit-ready with clear documentation, and make procurement decisions based on meaningful data.
Weighing up the opportunities
PackTotal (G162) has set out to turn packaging complexity into clarity by using data management and reporting software to calculate EPR and PPT liabilities. The company’s software centralises all packaging component data, supports accurate and auditable reporting, and automates tax and regulatory calculations, all while respecting and assuring the security of commercially sensitive information.
Benchmark Consulting (E140) aims to become the world leader in CO2e and cost measurement. The company’s Forensik suite of web-based tools provides calculation and analysis tools to achieve this.
Benchmark’s commercial calculator, for example, is capable of calculating many thousands of scenarios in a matter of minutes. Coupled with fully customisable reporting, large complex tenders and on-going price management of complex commercial relationships can be handled seamlessly.
Estimates can be assessed for all manufacturing processes: extrusion, print, lamination, bag/pouching, slitting, corrugation, pre-print, post print, die-cutting, folding, and gluing. For corrugated and solid boards, a CAD plug-in automatically interlocks blanks on a sheet to optimise sheet size and machine width.
A CO2e calculator provides carbon footprint measurements at the SKU (design) level. This identifies all direct and indirect CO2e emissions related to the production of each packaging SKU and provides a breakdown of the CO2e value at every stage of the packaging production process.
Using these tools, Benchmark Consulting is on a mission to provide packaging cost and CO2e transparency that enables sustainable decisions for people, planet and profit, equally.
Measurlabs (W120) offers all the laboratory testing needed for packaging, from material characterisation to regulatory compliance. The range of services offered covers oxygen, water and carbon dioxide transmission (OTR, WVTR, CO2, respectively), bio-based content, biodegradation, recyclability testing, mechanical and thermal testing of packaging materials, and a full range of food contact suitability tests.
OPRL (E146) has introduced its Recyclability Assessment Tool (RAT) to support the association’s members in evaluating and improving the recyclability of their packaging.
OPRL’s existing Labelling Tool allows information to be input about packaging that helps determine the appropriate OPRL label to use. RAT takes this a step further with a deeper analysis of the pack’s recyclability and offering actionable advice on how to enhance it.
This is not only important for reducing environmental impact but also for saving costs, as the recyclability of packaging affects modulated pEPR fees so using more recyclable packaging can lead to lower fees.
Aura (E142) combines packaging sustainability expertise, consultancy, technology, and insights to deliver pioneering, environmentally responsible packaging solutions. Their market-leading platform, e-halo, provides live, accurate data to manage compliance with global packaging legislation while helping brands reduce environmental impact.
Aura’s consultancy services help brands set and implement ambitious packaging strategies, ensure compliance with legislation and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), measure and manage sustainability, maintain consistent colour management at scale, and optimise Deposit Return Schemes (DRS).
Their technology suite empowers data-driven decisions across the packaging lifecycle. Platforms including e-halo, e-flow, e-palette, and e-valuate connect every stage from concept, design, and artwork through to recycling, enabling insight-led decisions that improve consistency, efficiency, sustainability, and compliance.
If you’re looking for tools that can help you save money, ensure compliance, and meet your obligations to your customers, then Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 has everything you need.
Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on 11&12 February next year. The event is free to attend and registration is now open.