WITH final preparations underway for February’s Packaging Innovations & Empack, organiser Easyfairs has announced it believes all things point to this year’s exhibition being the most successful yet.
The two-day packaging showpiece returns to the NEC Birmingham from February 21-22. More than 7,000 visitors are expected, with representatives from top brands filing past a capacity of 400 suppliers.
“The debrief from last year’s event was a really rewarding process for us as a team,” said marketing manager Naomi Stewart. “It was also an experience that showed us just how powerful the packaging sector can be when it comes together.
“When the exhibitors win, everybody wins, and given that four in every five exhibitors quickly met their objectives after last year’s show, it’s no surprise that 80% of those who exhibited last year have re-booked for this year.”
Confirmed brands such as Aldi, Asda, Britvic, Boots, Cadburys, Costa Coffee, Diageo, DHL, Heinz, Holland & Barrett, Hovis, Iceland, KFC, M&S, Molson Coors, Nestle, Oh Polly, Sainsbury’s, Sky, Superdrug, TATA, Tesco, Unilever, and Waitrose will walk the show, exploring an array of suppliers offering packaging products and services. Exhibitors cover everything from design to primary and secondary packaging, contract packing, e-commerce fulfilment, labelling and printing, and advanced packing and processing technology.
The exhibitor line-up includes Huhtamaki, Mondi, allpack Mondi Delta Packaging Ltd, Coveris, Simply Cartons, Carlton Packaging, Lantech, AstroNova, Berry Global, Schur Star Systems, Expack, and Graphic Packaging International.
“Since the curtain came down on last year’s exhibition, we have been in regular contact with all of the exhibitors, and the one abundantly clear thing is that the bar will be raised once again,” added Stewart. “The way our exhibitors present themselves and the innovative packaging products they manufacture never ceases to amaze me, and I know they have many exciting plans to wow visitors at this year’s exhibition.”
Easyfairs added that this year’s demand for free visitor passes has been ‘supercharged’ by the confirmation of leading voice on innovation and creative thinking, Ben Edmonds, Beer52 founder Fraser Doherty MBE, Honest Burgers co-founder Tom Barton, and zero waste pioneer and founder of Unpackaged, Catherine Conway, among the list of confirmed speakers.
And with the likes of Jess Ainley (senior sustainability execution manager at Danone), Julien Temblin (general manager of TerraCycle), James Bull (Tesco’s head of packaging and food waste), and Emma Bourne (Defra’s director of resources & waste), Easyfairs said the 360-degree view of the packaging industry at a seminal time will continue to be a big draw.
“Engaging presentations by industry professionals on three distinct stages, coupled with the Future Trailblazer awards honouring individuals driving creativity, and the Packaging Showcase celebrating those pioneering innovations, all provide attendees with unparalleled insights into the sterling work that goes on right across the packaging supply chain,” Stewart continued.
“Not only will it spark creativity in the packaging sector for 2024 and beyond, Packaging Innovations & Empack comprehensively addresses every facet of the packaging journey, uniting a range of experts from diverse industries. So, if you’re looking for an opportunity to network, discuss the latest developments, or grow your business, showcase your products and cultivate high-quality leads, look no further than Packaging Innovations & Empack 2024.”
