EVENT organisers Easyfairs has confirmed that over 450 exhibitors are set to feature at Packaging Innovations and Empack 2026.
The two-day showcase, to be held at Birmingham’s NEC in February, will bring together the full spectrum of the packaging community – from brand owners and designers to sustainability managers, procurement specialists, and innovation leaders – offering an opportunity to explore the latest materials, technologies, and solutions shaping the industry’s future.
Attendees can engage with suppliers including Amcor, Mondi, Sonoco, Kite Packaging, Allpack, Adpack, and Saica, and connect with over 3,000 brands, including the likes of Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nestlé, P&G, Tesco, Aldi, GSK, Boots, Diageo, and Bakkavor.
Chris Newhouse, head of sales – UK packaging Portfolio at Easyfairs, said, “Whether you are a brand owner seeking packaging that stands out on the shelf, a designer searching for fresh inspiration, or a sustainability lead looking for practical solutions, Packaging Innovations and Empack 2026 provides direct access to the people, products, and knowledge driving the sector forward.
“The show is in the midst of a period of significant growth, reflecting how packaging has captured the mainstream public’s attention. Whether for consumers or brands, there is increasing demand for all industry players to optimise every stage of the packaging journey and unlock its full potential.”
Confirmed exhibitors at Packaging Innovations include Thrace Group, Saica Flex, Elopak, Amcor, and Swisspack Europe, whose refillable FORMIL spout pouch for Lidl won last year’s Innovation Gallery.
Sheard Packaging, the show’s official innovation partner, will showcase its sustainable corrugated solutions, including transit boxes and retail-ready packs, as well as custom-printed display and e-commerce solutions.
Bedford-based Carlton Packaging will demonstrate its smarter e-commerce and fulfilment solutions, including Rapilock Pro, Rapireturn, and the Xtaper automatic dispenser for biodegradable paper tape.
Coveris’ flexible pouches, sleeves, and film laminates sit alongside Zeus Packaging Group’s end-to-end packaging, labelling, and automation solutions for food, beverage, e-commerce, industrial, and healthcare sectors, while Reflex Group and Autojon – Simply Cartons highlight labels, cartons, sleeves, and constructional packaging innovation.
Foodservice Packaging Association members will showcase sustainable and functional solutions, including Huhtamaki’s paper cups, fibre lids, fluted and folding cartons, hot and chilled food containers, bakery and ovenable trays, confectionery hampers, and e-commerce packs.
FPA Manufacturer of the Year, GO-PAK UK, Futamura’s NatureFlex films and compostable sachets, and e-Green’s VeriGreen cups, made from 100% used plant oil, further underline the sector’s focus on eco-friendly innovation. Policap, Herald Quality Disposables, Good2Go Global LLP, and others strengthen the FPA’s presence.
In the Smart Packaging Zone, visitors can see how web-to-print workflows, label verification, tamper-proof holograms, serialised QR codes, and AI-driven packaging solutions are transforming operations. The Innovation Inn returns to Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025, bringing Infigo, HYBRID Software, and CERM together to demonstrate the power of connected, automated workflows – served with a side of craft beer and collaboration.
