THE organisers of Packaging Innovations & Empack have announced the ten packaging innovations selected for the Innovation Gallery 2026.
The winning entries are said to reflect the pace and breadth of change reshaping packaging today. Spanning materials innovation, circular systems, food safety, logistics, reuse and operational efficiency, the Innovation Gallery highlights how packaging is responding to environmental pressures while continuing to deliver performance, protection and consumer confidence.
Visitors to Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, which takes place on February 11 & 12 at the NEC Birmingham, will be encouraged to explore the shortlisted innovations up close and vote for the solution they believe best represents the future of packaging.
The stars of the Packaging Innovations & Empack Innovation Gallery 2026 are:
Huhtamaki & Xampla Bring Plastic-Free Morro Coating to New Folded Cartonboard Range: A high-performance folded cartonboard solution coated with Morro, a plant-based, plastic-free barrier material.
Embalagem do Futuro – Intelligent Sustainable Fish Transport System with PetriTag: A reusable cold-chain transport system combining insulated EPP boxes made with recycled fishing-industry waste and PetriTag, a paper-based visual bacterial detection label.
One.five – Glassleaf: The world’s first translucent, heat-sealable barrier paper offering ‘exceptional’ visibility alongside strong oxygen, water vapour and grease barriers.
eGreen International – Atera – Reusable Tableware & Food Containers (Made from 60% Plant-based materials): A reusable packaging and tableware range made using Oryzite, a bio-based material derived from rice husk agricultural waste.
Futamura UK – Compostable Liquid Sachet: A fully compostable sachet structure for liquid products such as sauces and personal care, developed using NatureFlex cellulose film technology.
Prevented Ocean Plastic – Food-Safe POP rPP Pellet: A food-safe recycled polypropylene certified to European standards, unlocking circularity for one of the least recycled plastics globally.
PilloPak – Microflute Tray – LockWell – Pastry Packaging: A lightweight, glue-free corrugated paper tray designed to securely hold pastries using a patented locking mechanism.
Croxsons | B Corp – Rightweight® Mountain Bottle: A reduced-weight glass bottle range developed to support sustainability and EPR objectives without compromising strength or aesthetics.
Westpak Group Limited – GrabLok Linerless Tamper-Evident Bag Closure: A linerless, tamper-evident closure designed to secure takeaway and delivery bags quickly and consistently.
Trakya Pack – UniGlass Bottle Protection: A moulded fibre tray system engineered to provide universal protection for glass bottles across wine, spirits and premium beverages.
“This year’s Innovation Gallery showcases the strongest and most compelling line-up of innovations since the Gallery was first introduced,” said Paul Jenkins, founder of ThePackHub. “Each of the ten products demonstrates exceptional design thinking, solving real-world problems while meeting the evolving needs of brands, manufacturers and consumers.
“From circular materials and reusable systems to operational and logistical innovations, these solutions don’t just look good – they work smarter, perform better and deliver tangible benefits across the supply chain.”
