Packaging
Packaging Innovations 2025: The must-attend destination for discovering packagings future
Friday 08. November 2024 - Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 has officially opened for registrations, with Easyfairs calling on industry professionals to collaborate with forward-thinking leaders and pioneers driving innovative, future-proof packaging solutions.
Packaging Innovations Organisers Easyfairs unveils 2025’s premier event for driving creativity in the packaging industry.
The UK’s largest annual packaging spotlight returns to NEC Birmingham next year with a packed programme covering the trends and technologies shaping the future of packaging. With more than 460 exhibitors and 7,000 visitors expected to join the event from 12 & 13 February, the highly anticipated gathering promises to be the best yet.
Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 offers an unparalleled platform for cutting-edge packaging design, materials, machinery, and technology solutions. The annual event sees the entire packaging supply chain converge to connect, innovate, and exchange ideas.
“2025 is rapidly approaching, and like every new year in the packaging industry, it is sure to bring new trends and challenges,” said Naomi Stewart, Marketing Manager at Easyfairs. “Thankfully, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 allows brands to get ahead of issues like new regulations and the ongoing demand for sustainability by discovering the innovations shaping the sector’s future.
“Attending Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 is a fantastic way for brands to learn, connect, and get inspired, joining a dynamic showcase of packaging’s best and brightest to position themselves at the forefront of ongoing changes. With three distinct stages and over 50 expert speakers to discover, as well as the Innovation Gallery and Future Trailblazer Awards honouring outstanding creativity, the 360-degree event again promises to mark an essential date in the packaging industry’s calendar.”
Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 connects thousands of visitors, including CEOs, R&D leaders, procurement managers and marketing professionals, hoping to identify industry trends and explore emerging technologies. Whether it’s smart packaging, sustainable materials, or advancements in labelling and printing, the event covers all facets of the packaging sector.
“It’s one of those shows where you meet all your old friends,” said Nikki Grainge, Packaging Development Manager at Waitrose. “There’s a great network here, and hopefully, you come across one or two new innovative things you’ve been looking for. The importance of these shows is all about connecting and establishing those connections, finding something new or different that you can take away and work with. These shows bring everyone together under one roof, and it’s the place to come. It has become known as the packaging exhibition at which all our suppliers want to be.”
Emma Bourne, Director – Resources & Waste, Defra, said: “It brings together businesses from across the packaging industry to support and learn from different perspectives to drive the future. Whether you’re speaking to trade associations, small and large businesses, startups, or established organisations representing various materials – there’s always a real diversity of perspectives in the room.”
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, 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, while the Contract Pack & Fulfilment Zone is not to be missed for businesses looking to outsource packing and fulfilment services.
“We must have shows like this because they bring the packaging into the physical world,” said Steve Lister, Sustainability Consultant to Global Brands & Retailers. “We can all get sent PDFs or watch a video online, but there’s no substitute for coming to a show, picking something up, speaking with an expert, taking away a sample and then working and collaborating on a product before taking it to market.”
The two-day showcase will also host the Contract Pack & Fulfilment Zone, powered by BCMPA, the UK’s only dedicated event for outsourced packaging services. This area allows brand owners and retailers to discover trusted partners in co-packing, gift packing, and e-commerce fulfilment.