With a record-breaking 7,424 unique visitors, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 delivered a record-breaking event 12 and 13 February.
Held at NEC Birmingham he event brought together more than 450 exhibitors, showcasing state-of-the-art technology, sustainable solutions, and vital discussions signposting the future of packaging. With a packed conference agenda featuring 96 speakers across 32 sessions, attendees gained valuable insights into emerging trends, regulatory developments, and innovative solutions.
A key moment of the event was the first-ever stakeholder presentation of PackUK, the administrator of the UK’s new pEPR Scheme.
Alongside sustainability, smart packaging and AI were major talking points at this year’s event. Stefan Casey, Head of Ecosystem at SharpEnd/io.tt, led a future-focused panel that explored the potential of digital packaging solutions, predicting a shift in how AI and connected packaging will transform consumer engagement.
This year’s Innovation Gallery Award was won by Swisspack Europe’s FORMIL refill spout pouches for Lidl, developed in partnership with Algramo. The system, which allows customers to refill detergent in-store, helps reduce plastic waste while promoting cost-effective, sustainable shopping.
The 2025 Packaging Startup Awards recognised groundbreaking advancements in sustainability, with winners including Blue Ocean Closures (Alternative Materials), PulpaTronics (Connected Packaging), GreenEvo (Online Innovation), Cauli (Refill & Reuse), and AeroFlexx (Waste Reduction). PulpaTronics was also awarded Packaging Startup of the Year, solidifying its reputation as an industry disruptor.
James Montero-MacColl, Senior Marketing Manager at Easyfairs, praised the event’s success. “We wanted to make this an unmissable event, and we’ve done just that. From new legislation to breakthrough technology, the industry has come together to drive change. The energy on the show floor was incredible, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.“
Packaging Innovations & Empack will be back in Birmingham on 11 & 12 February2026.
