FOR the first time in the UK, Material ConneXion will bring a curated collection of 45 physical materials to the upcoming Packaging Innovations & Empack exhibition in Birmingham, highlighting the latest breakthroughs in packaging design and sustainability.
From evolved plastics to advanced pulped fibres, lightweight protective structures, and closures, drawing on a database of over 10,000 materials from 7,000 global manufacturers, the collection aims to offer a global snapshot of materials and processes ready to transform the way brands design and deliver packaging.
Every item is accompanied by technical data, performance metrics, and supplier information.
“For us, discovery is meaningless without physical validation,” said Dr Andrew Dent, EVP of materials research at Material ConneXion. “Samples are key. Touch and feel are so important. You can love the idea of a material, but unless you know it’s going to perform in your application, there’s not much point. That’s why we bring both the materials and the information that allows designers to make smarter, more resilient choices.”
Dent will also explore how innovation in packaging need not entail the pursuit of entirely new materials. “Often it’s about taking an existing chemistry or fibre and pushing it further – changing how it’s formed, coated, printed, or combined – to get better performance with lower environmental impact,” he added.
Material ConneXion’s presence at Packaging Innovations & Empack reflects the consultancy’s philosophy of early-stage engagement and cross-industry insight. With offices and researchers spanning Europe, the US, and Asia, the team monitors global trends and emerging technologies, bringing inspiration from sectors such as fashion, automotive, consumer electronics, and furniture to solve packaging challenges.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear Dent in person during his session, The Future of Sustainable Packaging, presented by Material ConneXion. Scheduled for Thursday, 12 February, 10:30–11:00 AM, the talk will explore how innovation is unlocking solutions to packaging’s toughest challenges. Dent will share insights into new material and process ideas, alongside success stories that show how sustainability, shelf impact, and performance can be achieved together.
“I love innovation, I love esoteric materials, but for something as critical as packaging, we need to stick to a reduced number of materials, ensure they have a full cradle-to-cradle cycle, and design around those materials,” he explained. “There isn’t going to be a single wonder material that solves all problems. Optimising what we have – commodity plastics like PET and PP, and industrialised paper and pulp – allows us to maintain sustainability while still creating new applications. That’s the way forward: bio-based sourcing, effective end-of-life solutions, and smarter design.”
