Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026: Industry Leaders Converge to Reimagine the Future of Packaging
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Packaging Innovations & Empack, a leading event for the container and packaging industry, will host an extensive program of conferences and presentations on February 11 and 12, 2026, at the NEC in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The event will feature insights from over 80 expert speakers, representing a diverse range of stakeholders including major brands, startups, research institutions, and regulatory bodies.
A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration
According to event organizers, the agenda is “designed to awaken curiosity and generate ideas” throughout the packaging sector. The fair aims to be a catalyst for innovation, creativity, and collaboration, addressing the evolving trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of packaging. Representatives from prominent companies such as Nestlé, Unilever, Diageo, coca-Cola, and greggs are confirmed to participate, alongside organizations like PackUK, The sustainable Packaging Coalition, and WRAP.
Brand Experience: Design, AI, and Consumer engagement
The Brand Experience stage will explore the intersection of design, technology, and consumer behavior. Paul Horton, director of Packaging and Graphic design at Diageo, will demonstrate the synergy between artificial intelligence (AI)-based design tools and human creativity in crafting premium brand experiences. The London Packaging Week Innovation Awards will also be presented during this stage’s sessions.
On the second day, Chloe Williams, co-director of WIN: Women in Innovation, will join Sarah Leech, director of Packaging and Design for Home Care at Unilever, and Kelly Dawson, co-founder of Studio Every, to discuss the impact of empathy-based design and the business potential of inclusive innovation. Creative technologist Jude Pullen will emphasize the importance of creativity and resilience in a rapidly changing industry. The Packaging Startup Awards will also be presented, recognizing promising new ventures in six categories.
Supply Chain: Robotics, Automation, and Regulatory Compliance
The Supply Chain stage will delve into the future of packaging engineering, with insights from Alexia Williams of Rolls-Royce. Experts will also analyze the role of technology in ensuring regulatory compliance, performance, and profitability. Ciaran Little, vice president at Smithers, will share his viewpoint on the market’s profound change.
Discussions will also focus on the benefits of robotics, automation, and predictive maintenance, featuring contributions from Mike Wilson, director of automation at MTC, and Martin Miller, head of engineering supply chain at Greggs.Felix Gruenewald and Andrea Gandolfi, partners at McKinsey, will present findings from their ‘Sustainable Packaging 2025’ study, offering guidance on balancing regulatory requirements with operational efficiency. A unique “Pitch the Co-Packers” session will provide emerging brands with a platform to present their growth plans to a panel of potential partners. Further discussion will center on advances in AI, led by Amy Hooper, Anthony Horsnby, and Yaseed chaumoo.
Circular Economy: Recyclability,EU Labeling,and Reuse Systems
The Circular Economy stage will be inaugurated by Alice Harlock,Director of Technical and Member Services at OPRL,who will analyze the implications of new EU labeling regulations and UK packaging policies. Paul east,director of Recycling and Packaging Design at Recoup,will lead a discussion bringing together stakeholders from across the packaging value chain to address the requirements for end-to-end recyclability.
The stage will also feature a tribute to the Future Trailblazer class, with James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discussing the complexities of recycling. A panel debate, led by Martin Kersh, co-CEO of The Packaging Federation, will further explore key circular economy challenges. A pan-European session will examine Deposit, Return, and Return Systems (SDDR), showcasing triumphant implementations from various countries. a discussion moderated by Lowelle Bryan, WRAP Senior Reuse specialist, will explore the potential for a national pre-filled reusable packaging system.
Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 promises to be a pivotal event, offering a complete overview of the forces shaping the future of the packaging industry and fostering collaboration towards a more sustainable and innovative future.
