About Packaging Innovations & Empack
Packaging Innovations & Empack is a two-day trade event for the UK packaging and processing industry, organised by Easyfairs at the NEC in Birmingham. It brings three shows together under one roof: Packaging Innovations, covering design, materials and new product development; Empack, covering packaging machinery and production processes; and Contract Pack & Fulfilment, covering outsourced packing and fulfilment services.
Exhibitors span the supply chain, including board and flexible packaging converters, sustainable materials specialists, machinery builders, labelling and printing firms, and co-packers. Visitors are brand owners, packaging technologists, designers, buyers and operations managers from sectors such as food and drink, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and retail.
The combined format lets a supplier reach people working on product innovation, process improvement and outsourcing in one visit. Content plays a large part: a CPD-accredited conference programme, a Discovery Theatre, guided expert trails and the Future Trailblazer Awards all draw visitors through the halls. Empack Tours focus on live machinery demonstrations, and the Pitch the Co-Packers session gives contract packers a stage to present their services.
The event bills itself as the UK's biggest packaging event. For suppliers, its value lies in concentrated access to UK packaging decision makers who come with live briefs, particularly as regulation and sustainability targets keep packaging specifications under review.
Next edition
Packaging Innovations & Empack 2027: what to expect
Packaging Innovations & Empack 2027 takes place on 24 and 25 February in Halls 6 to 9 of the NEC Birmingham. Opening hours are 10:00 to 17:00 on the Wednesday and 10:00 to 16:00 on the Thursday.
Features for this edition include an Automation & Robotics Zone, Empack Tours of live machinery, the Future Trailblazer Awards, Pitch the Co-Packers, and installations from the Museum of Failure and Material Connexion.
Machinery exhibitors should confirm power, floor loading and guarding requirements with the NEC early and leave room for small crowds to gather during demonstrations. With only two days and an earlier close on day two, lead capture and a fast follow-up process make a measurable difference.