ANTICIPATION is building for the inaugural UKPackaging Expo in Manchester, with only a limited number of exhibition stands still available for the event, which takes place from September 3-4.
In the previous issue of Packaging Scotland, we revealed that the exhibition is targeting packaging businesses and stakeholders based in the north of the country. The event will provide a platform for firms operating across a range of sectors to network, do business and showcase their latest products and innovations in a relaxed and informal setting.
Exhibitors from an expected 70-strong line-up will span primary and secondary packaging, automation, machinery, design, materials, software, labelling, and sustainability services. Visitors are set to include packaging technologists, operations managers, procurement leads, brand owners, engineers, and product developers from sectors such as FMCG, retail, manufacturing, and logistics.
Around 20 new exhibitors have been added in recent months, including major industry names such as Avery Dennison, GenPlastik, and packaging compliance specialist Beyondly. Global giant Unilever will also be exhibiting – the only packaging event in the world the brand will be exhibiting at this year.
One of the key drivers in launching a show in Manchester was to open up opportunities for companies based in the north of Britain that have typically found exhibitions prohibitively expensive or logistically challenging to attend – either as a visitor or exhibitor.
Despite the north being home to some of the UK’s most dynamic manufacturing, processing, and logistics sectors, it has long lacked a dedicated packaging event.
UKPackaging Expo is designed to be an accessible, targeted event that caters specifically to professionals and businesses operating across the north’s packaging ecosystem.
Jordan Bamford, director at UKPackaging Expo, told Packaging Scotland, “We’ve got the likes of Packaging Products, who are really close by, and SR Mailing. We’ve really supported and championed (getting northern business to sign up). We’ve made big strides in actually having a northern presence to our exhibitors.
“You’re not going to see these exhibitors and visitors anywhere else. This event is really designed to make it simple for people who work in warehouses, factories, and on production lines to come and see and feel products. It’s a little bit different to other events. This is going to be about doing business with northern-based businesses.”
One firm which has signed up is digital solutions specialist Webpac, the company behind the packaging website webpackaging.com. The business has over 30 years’ experience working with packaging suppliers. The firm’s tools are designed to simplify the selling of complex products to provide a better customer experience.
Webpac’s web-based 3D solutions enable customers to visualise and interact with the final product. Partnering with UKPackaging Expo, Webpac will be producing interactive 3D stands whereby products are showcased as part of the stand, allowing visitors to participate in the event through virtual reality.
The Manchester location also makes the show more accessible to Scottish businesses. East Kilbride-based MBM Print has secured a large stand at the event while, on the visitor front, organisers confirmed significant Scottish representation including delegations from the likes of AG Barr, Grant’s and Walker’s Shortbread.
Live demonstrations and new product launches will take pride of place, while networking lounges and innovation zones will encourage peer-to-peer connection.
A free-to-attend seminar programme focused on sustainability, smart packaging, automation, and legislation will also run throughout the event.
Organisers have teamed up with Sheffield Hallam University – home of the UK’s only dedicated packaging undergraduate degree course – for a series looking at the future of the packaging industry.
Other notable speakers include Berry/Amcor sustainability expert Jamie Riley; Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) chief executive Jason Galley, who will be talking about new and upcoming legislation and frameworks; and Holly Hobbs, who Jordan described as the biggest apprentice influencer in the country. Holly will be discussing how to attract more talent into the packaging community.
Other topics will include AI in packaging and UK innovations shaping the industry.
A key theme running across much of the programme will be sustainability, with hot button topics like EPR poised to take up much of the focus.
“Everybody is trying to make differences to their supply chains and make efficiencies,” Jordan added. “We’ve got Tata Steel, for instance, talking about their new electric arc furnace – it’s incredible what they’re building and I think it’ll be the only one in the country. Sustainability will be the main theme across many different angles.”
With only two months to go, registration is now live. Attendees can visit the UKPackaging Expo to sign up to attend the free packaging showcase.
“Momentum is building,” Jordan concluded. “Now we have to focus on delivering a top tier event.”
• UKPackaging Expo takes place at Manchester Central from September 3-4.
