Preparations are ramping up for the second edition of UKPackaging Expo, which moves to a new location in Liverpool this November. Ahead of the event, Jordan Bamford, MD of organiser Prime Events Group told Packaging Scotland what visitors can expect this year.
What can visitors expect this year from UK Packaging Expo?
This will be the second edition of UKPackaging Expo after a very successful launch in 2025. We have found that there is a big appetite in this industry for an exhibition that properly serves the north of England. In the year since its launch we’ve proven that this is more than ‘just another show’ and have established UKPackaging Expo as an invaluable, efficient and cost-effective platform for suppliers in this sector.
Whilst it’s still in its early years, UK Packaging Expo has quickly become a key meeting point for packaging professionals, particularly but not restricted to the North. We’ve created a space where brands, converters, printers and suppliers can connect with regional partners and explore the latest developments in packaging materials, machinery and sustainability.
With a curated exhibitor list and strong focus on top tier networking, the event offers a credible and convenient alternative to other national shows, which reflects the specific needs and priorities of northern packaging businesses.
As you and your readers will know, packaging is so much more than a basic, standalone function, occupying a position at the intersection of branding and consumer expectations, sustainability, logistics, AI and a highly complex global regulatory framework. UKPackaging Expo represents and serves this vital network of solutions, goods and services, with exhibitors who cover everything from large scale, turnkey machinery to packaging boxes and the glue that holds it all together.
We’ve built a great deal of momentum with a solid offering that reflects the diversity of the industry. It is a commercially driven, insight-led show which has relevance to multiple sectors. We are looking forward to welcoming a diverse mix of top-tier exhibitors showcasing a broad array of packaging innovations and robust manufacturing solutions, including: Unilever, Markem Imaje, Dura-ID, Tirrit UK, Protek Packaging, Cpack, Countrywide Freight, Avantade, Impress, Chubby Gorilla, BlueSky, Zevero, Jowat, Stax Converting, Elried, Sunula/Travtec, BRC Proms Ltd/Macmillan Cancer Support, Air Sea Containers, Beyondly, Castle Industries, Origin Packaging, Fides Reklam, Bra Pack, mbn Plastik, Simsek Ambalaj, Yenel, Cloud ERP, Rotion, Cradloop, Fides, Kimpak, The Label Makers, Avery Dennison, Marinpack, Carrick Packaging, Cap Coder, RECOUP, Steadfast Tapes, Cerrion MPMA, BPF and more.
Any changes to the format from last year or new features added?
Last year’s event was in Manchester but we took the decision to move to Kingsdock in Liverpool for 2026. They’re both superb, Northern Powerhouse locations so it will be interesting to see which one we think works best.
As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), recyclability demands and carbon reporting reshape packaging in 2026, our new Sustainable Packaging sector offers a timely, targeted hub for brands seeking credible solutions and northern industry connections.
Sustainability has become the defining force in UK packaging and the organising principle behind regulation, investment and innovation. As brands redesign for recyclability, reduce material use and prepare for the full impact of EPR and other tightening requirements, the industry is seeking practical solutions and credible partners.
Across the UK we’re seeing a tightening regulatory landscape, rising expectations around recyclability, and a clear shift toward carbon‑led decision‑making. Our Sustainable Packaging sector mirrors these pressures directly, giving visitors access to suppliers and specialists who are actively developing solutions in these areas. We are bringing together the organisations, technologies and insights pushing that transformation forward. For packaging teams navigating EPR, redesigning for recyclability or seeking credible carbon‑reduction strategies, the show offers a timely and highly relevant platform.
Exhibitors in this specialist sector include Beyondly, EcoPlast, Cradloop, Recoup, Zevero and Brook Green Supply, each addressing a different facet of the sustainability challenge.
Do you have any visitors/exhibitors coming from Scotland?
Yes. We have already attracted a significant number of registrations from Scottish manufacturers, and we expect particularly strong attendance from the whisky and spirits sector. Packaging is fundamental to that industry, from premium brand presentation and product protection to sustainability, traceability and export requirements, so the show’s mix of materials, labelling, machinery and compliance expertise is highly relevant. We are looking forward to welcoming a strong Scottish contingent to Liverpool in November.
What feedback did you have to the inaugural event last year? Did its success justify the decision to host a dedicated packaging show in the north?
We had really positive and supportive feedback from last year’s event, with the general sentiment being that the north is a powerful hub for industry that strongly merits its own event. Many people remarked that this part of the country is full of ‘doers’ whilst a lot of talking happens in London. It’s not surprising, really, given that the Industrial Revolution began up here in the Lancashire cotton mills.
Adrian Robinson of Seidel GmbH, who visited the show, commented: “With so much industry in the north-west, it makes perfect sense to hold an exhibition here. There’s a reason companies like Unilever are here with a strong presence, and the [2026] edition will be even stronger.”
On the exhibitor side, Luke Wilson, owner of Facer, a company with 85 years of heritage, said: “In terms of quality discussions it’s equalled what we’ve had at [other] shows with higher footfall. We’ve had some good broad meetings on our stand. Some people have come here specifically to see us and we’ve also seen smaller start-up brands as well as established ones. We’ve seen some major retailers at the show. The location in the north really works and it’s been great for networking. They’ve put on a good show”.
Sarah Greenwood from the North of England Packaging Society gave it the thumbs up, saying: “We are all about building a better packaging community and we support the initiative”.
What can you tell us about the speakers/conference programme?
We’re really excited about the Future Packaging Conference and have a superb collection of speakers who’ll be hosting presentations, panel discussions and the like for the full duration of the show. This year’s conference programme will tackle sustainability head‑on, with sessions designed to help packaging teams navigate regulatory change and make better environmental decisions. Our highly experienced marketing team has crafted sessions which closely align with the topics dominating industry debate and give visitors practical insight into the next phase of sustainability‑driven transformation.
Our head of marketing, Naomi Stewart explained: “Sustainability is reshaping every part of the packaging supply chain, and our goal is to give the industry a space where those challenges and opportunities can be explored in a meaningful, commercially-focused way. The Sustainable Packaging sector has been built around what buyers are actively sourcing – credible solutions, measurable impact and partners who can help them navigate regulatory change.
“We’ve strengthened that with a programme of thought‑provoking, insight‑rich seminars designed to ensure visitors leave with practical guidance and the solutions they need. We’re proud to see the show becoming a northern hub for innovation, and are excited to welcome the brands, converters and manufacturers who are driving the next phase of sustainable packaging forward.”
What do you expect some of the key themes and talking points to be?
In line with packaging industry macro-themes, sustainability and EPR compliance will have crucial centre-stage roles, not only via absorbing sessions at the Content Theatre but also with expert consultants on the showfloor who are able to provide invaluable on-the-spot guidance and advice to both visitors and fellow exhibitors.
The sessions will be looking at themes which include: Circular Resource Management and the Future of Packaging; Retaining Brand Loyalty and Building Trust with Compliant Packaging; Packaging labelling legislation and what it means for the packaging industry; Packaging Communications and International Markets; Circular Economy and the Evolution to 2D Codes; Beyond Compliance: Turning Packaging Emissions Data into Better Decisions; and The Barcode Revolution: How Connected Packaging Is Reshaping Retail Scaling Circular Packaging Systems Across the UK.
UKPackaging Expo will run from November 10-11 at the Convention Centre at Kings Dock, Liverpool.
