What’s next for the packaging industry? Every year, businesses from across the world gather under one roof at the Birmingham NEC to get answers to this question. As we tick over into the latter half of the 2020s, all eyes are firmly fixed on what the future will bring - particularly as suppliers and brands prepare for a number of key regulatory deadlines. Renowned for keeping its finger on the pulse of this fast-paced industry, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 promises to be the most forward-thinking show yet. While it continues to represent every stage of the packaging journey, from design to fulfilment, the 2026 edition introduces several new features and experiences designed to deliver even more value to attendees and exhibitors.
Discover Tomorrow’s Materials: Material ConneXion
Material ConneXion’s curated showcase highlights the materials transforming the products of tomorrow. From breakthrough textiles and sustainable composites to advanced polymers, its interactive display demonstrates how smart material choices drive innovation. Visitors can explore how performance, sustainability, and context combine to create smarter, more resilient packaging solutions. (Stand A15 - Hall 2)
Learn from Failure: Museum of Failure (MoF)
Innovation often starts with mistakes - and the Museum of Failure turns missteps into lessons for the future. From Kodak’s digital camera to modern AI errors, visitors explore decades of corporate misjudgements, uncovering recurring traps that can undermine even the best ideas. The workshop offers practical insight for designing next-generation materials, packaging solutions, automation, and sustainable innovations, showing how learning from failure can accelerate progress. (Stand A11 - Hall 2)
Machinery in Action: Guided Empack Tours
Designed for those responsible for keeping production efficient, competitive, and moving, the Empack Machinery & Processing Tours cut through the noise of the show floor. Join a guided session that brings you directly to the machinery, automation, and processing solutions transforming packaging and production operations.
See live demonstrations, gain practical insights, and leave with a clear understanding of how today’s technology can improve efficiency, reduce risk, and unlock capacity in your operation. Curated for speed and relevance, each tour is a focused, one-hour experience (1pm–2pm) with limited places available on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll be in good company with representatives from companies such as Prims E-Logistics, BW Packaging, Sealed Air already booked to attend. (Meeting point is located at Hall 3a entrance)
Spotlight on Emerging Ideas: Discovery Theatre
Start-ups, SMEs, and suppliers take centre stage at the Discovery Theatre, presenting breakthrough technologies such as AI and smart packaging. This platform sparks new thinking and offers a rare glimpse of what’s on the horizon, giving attendees inspiration for their own innovation strategies. (Stand Q160 - Hall 3a)
Innovation Under Pressure: Pitch the Co-Packers Competition
In partnership with the BCMPA, start-ups and challenger brands have the chance to pitch their ideas to industry experts in a fast-paced, Dragon’s Den-style contest. With networking, funding, and visibility on offer, the competition reveals innovation under pressure and highlights the collaborative spirit driving the packaging sector forward. (12 Feb, 11:30–12:30, Supply Chain Stage W160 - Hall 3a)
Advance Your Skills: CPD-Accredited Sessions
Across two days, the CPD-accredited programme delivers practical insights on automation, robotics, AI, compliance, and sustainability. Operations, engineering, and supply chain professionals gain immediately actionable strategies to improve packaging lines, efficiency, and operational resilience. (Supply Chain Stage W160 - Hall 3a)
Start-Up Zone & 1-2-1 Expert Trail
The Start-Up Zone shines a spotlight on emerging businesses, while the 1-2-1 Expert Trail connects attendees with specialists across policy, sustainability, and supply chain strategy. From Smithers and BCMPA to PackUK and the UK Midlands Packaging Society, each stop provides authoritative guidance, helping businesses navigate regulation, reduce waste, and future-proof their packaging operations. (Hall 3a)
Sheard Packaging Innovation Showcase
Sheard Packaging’s Mobile Innovation Centre (MiC) brings design, testing, and problem-solving straight to the show floor. With a high-spec design studio, live sampling, onboard lab, and collaboration tools, MiC enables real-time innovation, faster decision-making, and smarter packaging solutions. (Stand A80 - Hall 2)
Automation & Robotics Zone
Explore the latest robotics and automation innovations designed to streamline operations and boost efficiency. Visitors can see live demonstrations, experience the technologies in action, and gain insight into how these solutions are shaping the future of packaging. Discover practical applications and consider how robotics and automation could transform your business. (Hall 3a)
Celebrating Talent and Creativity
The Future Trailblazers Awards, in partnership with IOM3, recognises rising stars driving innovation across packaging. Alongside, the Exhibitor Innovation Gallery highlights ten standout breakthroughs in design, materials, and functionality, providing inspiration for every visitor looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Relax, Connect, and Celebrate
Networking is key to innovation. From the Beer Bar and Cocktail Bar to the VIP and Exhibitor Lounges, attendees can recharge, spark conversations, and celebrate creativity — proving that inspiration often comes as much from connections as from technology.
A Platform for Every Professional
With over 450 suppliers, 7,500 visitors, and 80+ expert speakers, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 has something for everyone. Whether exploring materials, learning from failure, experiencing automation first-hand, or pitching the next big idea, this showcase delivers clarity, insight, and opportunity in an ever-evolving industry.
Don’t miss out. Secure your free ticket now and be part of the conversations, technologies, and insights defining the future of packaging.