Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 is now open for registrations, with the event poised to be its largest yet. Taking place on 12 & 13 February 2025 at Halls 3 & 3a, NEC Birmingham, the UK's flagship packaging exhibition will once again connect the entire packaging supply chain, offering a unique platform for businesses to showcase the latest innovations, services, and sustainable solutions.
Exhibitors will have the chance to engage with a rich pool of prospects, with stands typically generating an impressive average of 86 leads. Attendees will include representatives from top brands and sectors such as food & beverage, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, beauty & personal care, and e-commerce, all seeking advancements in primary and secondary packaging. Leading companies like Autajon Packaging, Simply Cartons, FlexPET BV, Coveris UK, and AstroNova® will present their latest innovations to leading UK brands like Asda, Unilever, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, and many others that place their trust in the annual showcase.
"It's a fantastic show. A lot of our work is done online, so it's a great opportunity to get to meet and talk with people and see what innovations are out there," said Jon Wells, Sustainable Packaging Manager at ASDA.
"The reason I attend this show is to find new opportunities and see the latest innovations happening around the world," said Muhammad Usman Zafar, Senior Procurement Manager – Global Packaging at PZ Cussons. "It provides a great way to understand where the world is heading, where suppliers focus, and whether it aligns with customer needs. Being in the FMCG industry, we are closely connected with consumers, but it's also important to ensure that the upper or secondary industries think along the same lines."
One of the key highlights of Packaging Innovations 2025 is the introduction of the Smart Packaging Zone, where the future of packaging will be on full display. Featuring NFC chips, RFID tags, and augmented reality (AR) solutions, this new zone is designed to showcase the potential of interactive packaging, offering customers and brands a futuristic, immersive experience.
The event also brings back its ever-popular Foodservice Packaging Zone, which is expected to attract key figures from the UK's top retailers and food-to-go outlets, while the Label & Print Zone will be a hub for those looking to streamline their production processes, connecting labelling, corrugated packaging suppliers, and print finishing with decision-makers from brands like Unilever and Marks & Spencer. The Contract Pack & Fulfilment Zone, held in partnership with the BCMPA, is not to be missed for businesses looking to outsource packing and fulfilment services. This area, held in collaboration with the BCMPA, is the only event in the UK dedicated to outsourced packing, co-packing, and fulfilment services.
"There are very few opportunities where you can gather almost the entire sector in one place, and Packaging Innovations is truly that opportunity for anyone interested in packaging," said Margaret Bates, Head of the UK pEPR Scheme Administrator. "This is the place to catch up with people, learn about the latest innovations, discover current trends, and even learn about future plans. You can see not only what's currently on the shelves but also what will be on the shelves and what influences those behaviours."
In addition to these focus zones, Empack Birmingham will be a key draw for those working with packaging machinery, robotics, and automation technology. This event area will bring suppliers and manufacturers together to present coding, marking, filling, palletising, and warehouse automation innovations. Brands like Amazon and Tesco are expected to attend, looking for solutions to increase productivity, enhance safety, and improve traceability in their supply chains.
Naomi Stewart, Marketing Manager at Easyfairs, said: "This event is where groundbreaking ideas come to life. We're proud to connect stakeholders from across the supply chain, giving them direct access to the latest packaging technology and sustainable solutions. The synergy and collaboration that emerge from these interactions often lead to transformative advancements in the industry.
We look forward to showcasing innovative solutions that will shape the future of packaging and drive progress across various sectors."
Will Mercer, BU Paper R&D Director at Coveris, highlighted its importance: "This show brings together the entire supply chain under one roof. It's an unparalleled opportunity to showcase our innovations and see what the rest of the industry is doing."
"I think it's a great mix of inspiration just from walking around and seeing what people are exhibiting, and also a bit of challenge and insight—food for thought—from dipping into some presentations," said Lisa Meade, Head of Structural Packaging at Kingfisher. "It's also a great opportunity to catch up with people I may not have seen for a while and to connect with others in the industry. I can see what's happening, meet new people, discover new packaging innovations, and hopefully start planning for future-proofing and similar initiatives."
Register your attendance at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 now and be part of the future of packaging! Don't miss your chance to connect with industry leaders, discover cutting-edge technologies, and explore over 460 suppliers displaying the latest sustainable and interactive packaging trends.