VISITORS to Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 will have the opportunity to explore ten of the most innovative packaging solutions from the past year.
Organised by Easyfairs, this year’s Innovations Gallery will celebrate ‘sustainable and forward-thinking’ packaging advancements.
The Gallery will feature a collection of innovations, from compostable gel-based temperature controls to refillable detergent pouches, high-barrier films, and plastic-free shrink sleeves.
Over 7,000 expected visitors will have the chance to view these final 10 innovations in a dedicated space, casting their votes by swiping their visitor passes on the projects that captivate them the most. This year’s selection was chosen from a record 147 entries.
Paul Jenkins, founder of ThePackHub and the lead judge for the annual Innovation Gallery, said, “We’re seeing a remarkable shift in the industry towards packaging solutions that balance performance with sustainability, and the final ten in this year’s Innovation Gallery are a testament to how innovation can drive both. What sets Packaging Innovations & Empack apart is the chance to interact directly with packaging innovations shaping the future. Attendees don’t just learn about new designs – they see them in action and discover their potential to influence industries.”
The Innovation Gallery Class of 2025 is as follows;
- Thergis™ – Compostable Gel Pack Coolants (KB Packaging®/Protega Global): Thergis™ Compostagel Packs provide a sustainable and effective temperature control solution. These compostable gel packs are ideal for industries like agriculture and pharmaceuticals, maintaining optimal temperatures while being fully biodegradable. They offer both precision and sustainability for temperature-sensitive products.
- FORMIL – Refill Spout Pouches for Lidl (Swisspack): In collaboration with Algramo, Swisspack Europe’s refillable spout pouches for Lidl’s Formil laundry detergent promote sustainability by reducing plastic waste. This innovative system enables customers to refill their detergent in-store and receive discounts, encouraging bulk sales, lowering costs, and contributing to a cleaner environment.
- Plastic-Free Shrink Sleeves (Viscose Closures): These shrink sleeves are a revolutionary sustainable packaging solution made from biodegradable wood pulp, offering a home-compostable plastic-free alternative. They self-shrink at room temperature and require no expensive machinery, ideal for companies aiming to reduce energy consumption and combat counterfeiting with customisable designs.
- New ‘Designed for Recycling’ Paper-Based Snack Tube (Sonoco Consumer Products Europe): Sonoco, in partnership with Kellanova, introduced a redesigned, widely recyclable paper-based Pringles tube that replaces the metal base with paper. This packaging follows European recycling guidelines, increasing recyclability while supporting the circular economy using recycled paper, aligning with Kellanova’s sustainability goals.
- High-Barrier MDO-PE Films for Lamination (Saes Coated Films S.p.A): The MDO-PE film from Saes Coated Films provides high oxygen and water vapour barrier properties, crucial for recyclable mono-material flexible packaging. Coated with Coathink® technology, these films are ideal for replacing PET or PP layers, enabling 100% PE recyclable packaging solutions with excellent processability and print quality.
- Paraflex Nowax™ Vegetable Wax-Based Coatings for Paper (Paramelt): Paraflex Nowax™ offers sustainable, vegetable wax-based coatings for paper, providing a biodegradable and recyclable barrier solution. These coatings are used in various packaging applications, such as confectionery wraps and food packaging, ensuring eco-friendly functionality with renewable, green carbon sources in food-safe conditions.
- RapiSecure (Carlton Packaging): RapiSecure is an innovative crash lock box with an integrated honeycomb retention system that secures products during transit without needing void fill. This versatile, eco-friendly box offers impact protection and stability, reducing product movement while enhancing overall packaging efficiency with its sustainable design.
- 100% Fibre Closure (Pont Packaging Ltd): Pont Packaging has created a sustainable, natural fibre-based closure that pairs with recyclable and recycled containers like glass and PET jars. This packaging solution offers a sustainable alternative for products like supplements, making it the first of its kind to provide a truly sustainable, all-in-one packaging system.
- Fully Recyclable Multifunctional Tray2Go (Sabert Corporation Europe): The Tray2Go is a fully recyclable, versatile packaging solution made from sustainable materials, including FSC® certified board and rPET lids. Perfect for chilled food-to-go, like sushi, it ensures durability, product visibility, and secure stacking while supporting eco-friendly practices in the food service and retail sectors.
- Mono Recyclable Metallised Pouch (IntegraMATERIALS): A pioneering mono recyclable metallised pouch made entirely from polyethylene (PE), combining high barrier protection with recyclability. This innovation simplifies recycling and reduces plastic waste, providing a sustainable packaging solution without compromising performance for industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.
