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Packaging Innovations & Empack, the yearly UK trade show for the packaging industry, reported over 7,400 unique visitors, the highest number on record
Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 received the highest ever visitor numbers in its history according to organisers, Easyfairs.
The UK packaging trade show, which took place at the NEC Birmingham on February 12th and 13th, saw a reported 7,424 unique visitors this year, higher than any previous year.
The annual event featured over 450 exhibitors showcasing their latest packaging solutions as well as 96 expert speakers across three stages, multiple dedicated zones, and an awards show.
A key moment of the event was the first-ever stakeholder presentation of PackUK, the administrator of the UK's new Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) scheme.
The discussion, watched by a sizable crowd, was led by Sebastian Munden, chair of the pEPR scheme administrator. It featured a range of high-profile government representatives, setting the stage for the scheme's implementation and impact on businesses.
Sustainability was a key focus of the event, with a range of companies showcasing their latest sustainable packaging solutions.
The Innovation Gallery Award, which is given each year to innovative packaging products at the Packaging Innovations event, was presented this year to Swisspack Europe's FORMIL refill spout pouches for Lidl, developed in partnership with Algramo.
The system, which allows customers to refill detergent in-store, aims to help reduce plastic waste while promoting cost-effective, sustainable shopping.
Speaking about the event, James Montero-MacColl, senior marketing manager at Easyfairs, said: "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."
The 2026 edition of the event has already been announced, with the trade show set to take place on February 11th and 12th next year. Those interested in attended have been encouraged to visit the Packaging Innovations website to register their interest.
The 2025 Packaging Startup Awards took place alongside the trade show, with five categories up for grabs including Waste Reduction, Alternative Materials, and Connected Packaging.
The awards, organised by ThePackHub and sponsored by Ocado Retail, honoured five startups at Packaging Innovations, recognising their contributions to sustainable packaging solutions.
Blue Ocean Closures won the Alternative Materials category for its cellulose fibre screw cap, which provides a sustainable alternative to plastic and metal closures. Blue Ocean Closures' solution is biodegradable within ten weeks and is recyclable as paper.
PulpaTronics secured the Connected Packaging Award for its innovation in RFID technology. The company developed a chipless, metal-free RFID tag that uses laser technology to create conductive circuits on paper substrates, making them fully recyclable and compatible with circular packaging systems.
Green Evo took home the Online category award for its approach to reducing wooden pallet production's environmental and economic impact. Green Evo has introduced an alternative pallet made from renewable agricultural biomass, removing the need for tree cutting.
In the Refill & Reuse category, Cauli was recognised for its AI-powered reusable packaging system. Focusing initially on the food service industry, Cauli's system is designed to let customers borrow then return food and drink containers seamlessly.
Finally, AeroFlexx won the Waste Reduction category for its approach to reducing plastic waste in liquid packaging. AeroFlexx's packaging solution replaces traditional plastic bottles with a lightweight, flexible format that functions like a rigid bottle while using up to 85% less virgin plastic.
Commenting on the need to promote startups in the packaging industry, Paul Jenkins, founder of ThePackHub, says: "Startups drive true innovation and challenge the status quo.
“They're risk-takers, bringing fresh thinking and disruption. They offer new perspectives, unconventional ideas, and the agility to challenge traditional packaging models and industry norms. For a thriving packaging industry, it's crucial to have startups emerging within the business, generating exciting new ideas for us to explore and capitalise on."
