Day two showed further evidence of PackUK's role in delivering pEPR. Mary Creagh MP, Minister for Nature, DEFRA, chaired a panel of key value chain representatives, who detailed their aspirations for the scheme and how collaboration will be essential in fair and efficient delivery. While covering the multiple implications of pEPR and fielding questions from a packed auditorium on the potential financial implications for SMEs and working challenges for the value chain, the need for greater involvement from all stakeholders and close collaboration to ensure effective delivery emerged.
Minister Creagh said: "We are in the middle of a very big system change. We are starting on this journey together with goodwill and everyone wanting to do the right thing.
"There is the opportunity for all of you to pitch in with your ideas, intelligence, experience, and knowledge. We want to make sure Britain is open for business, that we are doing the right thing, and that we are working together, pulling in the same direction to deliver what will be transformational social change. It is a really exciting project to be part of."
She was joined on the panel by Andrew Cassels, Waste Specialist at Strategic Investment Board; Jim Bligh, Director of Corporate Affairs & Packaging at The Food & Drink Federation; Talia Goldman, ESG Director at Colpac, and Paul Vanston, CEO at INCPEN.
Vanston picked up on the opportunity for input and collaboration, and confirmed the impending introduction of three working groups: Recyclability Assessment Methodology Group, Efficiency and Effectiveness Group, and Communication and Behavior Change Group.
"We're not just here to talk about PackUK," he added. "PackUK is getting on with action. Many of us can join these three groups that are going to be extremely technically important for PackUK and EPR."
Stefan Casey, Head of Ecosystem at SharpEnd/io.tt, chaired a future-focused panel on smart packaging, offering bold predictions and cutting-edge insights. He said, "There's so much more that digital and physical solutions can give us. Technology is changing the profile of packaging. We've got to be real – AI will take over jobs. We really need to start thinking differently across every single touchpoint across the supply chain.
"It's really important that we address packaging head on and everything around today from a customer perspective, from a consumer perspective, and from a business perspective."
The panel also highlighted smart packaging's role in providing enhanced, inclusive experiences to consumers who need it. One of the speakers, Daphne Mavroudi-Chocholi, Managing Director at RNIB Enterprises, gave a personal perspective on the topic, saying, "My husband is s 6 foot 6. He's a mountain biker. He's a surfer. And six years ago he started wearing glasses. Right now, he struggles to read bedtime stories to our girls. He can definitely not read any of the expiration dates on any of the products that are in our kitchen. And he wouldn't necessarily see himself as visually impaired, but he definitely is using magnifiers and torches when we go out to have dinner.
"So when we talk about inclusivity and when we talk about designing for all, the people that we need to think about are not necessarily those that might be using a white cane, a wheelchair, or a guide dog. They're individuals who acquired an impairment later on in life. If you have any kind of disability, any kind of friction in your experience can be a huge barrier when engaging with packaging. It's important to design packaging with the future for all in mind."
Swisspack Europe's FORMIL refill spout pouches for Lidl, developed with Algramo, have won the Innovation Gallery, beating competition from 147 entries. These refillable pouches for Formil laundry detergent help cut plastic waste by letting customers refill in-store. The system promotes eco-friendly shopping while offering discounts, encouraging bulk buying and cost savings. By outshining strong rivals, Swisspack and Lidl showcase their commitment to sustainability and a circular economy.
Blue Ocean Closures, PulpaTronics, GreenEvo, Cauli, and AeroFlexx have won the 2025 Packaging Startup Awards, recognising innovation in sustainable packaging. Blue Ocean Closures took the Alternative Materials category for its recyclable cellulose fibre closures, while PulpaTronics won Connected Packaging for its smart pulp-based materials. GreenEvo claimed the Online award for its platform promoting sustainable products, Cauli secured Refill & Reuse for its reusable takeaway packaging system, and AeroFlexx won Waste Reduction for its plastic-saving liquid packaging. PulpaTronics also took home the Packaging Startup of the Year Award.
Gillian Garside-Wight, Director of Consulting at Aura Consultants, took attendees even further into the future with an insightful presentation on macro trends up to the year 2050. After her talk, she commented, "Regulations are so pressing and there's so much change in the packaging industry. In the UK, we're just starting on our EPR journey. A lot of our clients are global, so while it's complicated in the UK, once you add in other countries like the USA where every state is different, that is amplified.
"As reporting needs get bigger, the idea of having somebody scrubbing data to create reports is just not viable anymore. It's not just about reports and compliance needs, it's about proactively managing sustainability. That means reducing costs by changing the packaging that contributes most to EPR and other fees going forward."
The inspiring atmosphere and insight-packed presentations proved to be a hit with attendees and exhibitors alike. Andy Hodgkinson, Head of Packaging at Lyte Packaging said, "What we're trying to do is add value. Our business is part of a larger group of companies that offer a fully integrated service from start to finish, including design, sourcing, packing, and fulfilment. This show enables us to give customers the full gamut of options – it's an inroad into the company where we can offer all sorts of services."
Another exhibitor, Jay Russell, Business Development Manager at social enterprise CPI, said, "Out of the different packaging events we've been to, this is closer to our target market. It's early in the supply chain, where people are trying to solve problems before materials get turned into boxes or wrappers. There are significant challenges involved in switching to new materials with a whole different property set, and it's great to be here where we can play our part in that transition to more sustainable materials."
The 2025 event, expected to see over 7,000 packaging professional in attendance for the first time in history, has cemented Packaging Innovations & Empack's reputation as the gold standard for global packaging industry events.
Businesses interested in attending or exhibiting at next year's event can register their interest now at www.packagingbirmingham.com.