ANOTHER Packaging Innovations & Empack exhibition is in the books, with organisers declaring the 2025 edition an overwhelming success after welcoming a record 7,424 unique visitors to the NEC, Birmingham.
More than 450 exhibitors showed off their latest products and innovations during two action-packed days, while just under 100 speakers participated in 32 conference sessions exploring the hottest industry topics.
The event hosted the first-ever stakeholder presentation of PackUK, the administrator of the UK’s new pEPR Scheme. The discussion, led by Sebastian Munden, chair of the EPR Scheme Administrator, and featuring government representatives, set the stage for the scheme’s implementation and impact on businesses. On Day Two, Mary Creagh MP, minister for nature, DEFRA, chaired a panel addressing pEPR’s financial implications for SMEs and the importance of collaboration across the value chain.
Brendon Bass, sales and marketing manager at exhibitor AM Labels, told Packaging Scotland the event had exceeded expectations in terms of lead generation and visitor engagement. The firm showcased a variety of solutions from its portfolio and provided visitors with live demonstrations of the Epson ColorWorks C8000 colour label printer, the Afinia Label X350 digital roll-to-roll press, and its new Feeder Labeller.
“A unique combination of a wipe-on label applicator and automatic packet feeding system, the Feeder Labeller from AM Labels can automate the feeding of packets, pouches, cartons and boxes with the application of labels in a single, seamless process,” Brendon said. The most popular range on the AM Labels stand was its selection of automation equipment including the LabelPack Panda print and apply system and LabelPack COMPACT WA automatic bottle applicator.
Brendon added that visitors appreciated the hands-on experience and the opportunity to discuss specific labelling challenges.
Ashwin Moorthy, head of design and innovation at DS Smith Packaging – UK & Ireland, said feedback from customers this year was that sustainability at every stage of the packaging process remains front of mind – whether that’s testing new materials and new technologies or exploring options around end-of-life recycling.
“Visitors engaged our team in discussions about DS Smith’s market-leading work in this area, and wanted to hear more about our recyclability evaluation service and circular design metrics to gain deeper insight into our recyclable packaging offering,” Ashwin said. “It’s evident that our goal of making the recycling process as simple as possible for the consumer is proving itself to be more important than ever.
“Our consumer packaging solutions such as fruit and veg punnets, Easy Bowl, Lift Up, e-commerce packaging range and high quality print drew lots of interest and curiosity. Attendees commented on the design structure and versatility offered by the various solutions. The feedback supports our continued focus on redefining packaging for a changing world providing designs that help our customers respond to changing shopping habits.”
Denny Bros said there was a general interest in the firm’s multi-page labelling products and also across a wide range of industries. The company revealed that exhibiting at Packaging Innovations, both in Birmingham and London, has been a regular part of the the calendar, with this year’s event providing a great chance to promote and network with attendees. Denny Bros reported ‘good meaningful enquiries and discussions’ to take away and act on.
The Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS) stand featured shrink-wrapping machines in the form of both an L sealer for display applications and a sleeve sealer for transit packing, plus a bagging machine said to be ideal for mail fulfilment. A large materials display stand demonstrated some of the recyclable films and bag consumables that the company stock. YPS told Packaging Scotland that the stand was busy throughout the two-day show, with visitors keen to discuss the detail of their packaging requirements for products as diverse as food, clothing, chemicals and personal care items. YPS added that it found a ‘significant upturn’ in leads gained, compared with last year’s Empack event.
Corrugated packaging supplier Durham Box provided insights into the practical applications and benefits of the Highcon Beam 2C digital die-cutting system after becoming the first UK packaging company to acquire the model. The investment reinforces the firm’s commitment to innovation and expansion, particularly in the e-commerce packaging sector.
The Highcon Beam 2C was recently installed at Durham Box’s Bishop Auckland facility, alongside the EFI Nozomi single-pass corrugated printer. This will enable the business to streamline production processes, enhance design flexibility and improve efficiency.
A host of new products were launched at the show, including Rottneros Packaging AB’s NATURE range of sustainable food packaging trays. Crafted using FSC-certified raw materials from North European sources, the trays incorporate barrier properties designed to extend shelf-life, while reducing plastic content to below 10%.
Zeus’s ‘revolutionary’ Apollo pallet wrap monitoring system also made its first appearance. By digitally empowering businesses with real-time data on wrap usage, it aims to enable informed decisions and help optimise operations.
Elsewhere, this year’s Innovation Gallery Award was won by Swisspack Europe’s FORMIL refill spout pouches for Lidl, developed in partnership with Algramo. The system, which allows customers to refill detergent in-store, is designed to reduce plastic waste while promoting sustainable shopping.
The 2025 Packaging Startup Awards were also handed out in recognition of advancements in sustainability, with winners including Blue Ocean Closures (alternative materials), PulpaTronics (connected packaging), GreenEvo (online innovation), Cauli (refill & reuse), and AeroFlexx (waste reduction). PulpaTronics was also awarded Packaging Startup of the Year.
James Montero-MacColl, senior marketing manager at event organiser Easyfairs, said, “We wanted to make this an unmissable event, and we’ve done just that. From new legislation to breakthrough technology, the industry has come together to drive change. The energy on the show floor was incredible, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.”
•The 2026 edition of Packaging Innovations & Empack will take place from February 11-12 next year.
