London Packaging Week has announced a variety of new features including an Innovation Gallery, Start-Up Zone, and the premiere of a new paper-focused documentary
London Packaging Week has announced more details of its 2026 event, which it has dubbed “the show's most ambitious programme” to date.
Built around the theme of discovery, the 2026 programme has been reimagined to help packaging professionals discover practical solutions to the biggest branding and packaging challenges.
In an exclusive first, London Packaging Week will premiere the trailer for an upcoming documentary taking audiences behind the scenes at James Cropper, the UK's last remaining paper mill producing coloured paper. The organiser says that the documentary will reveal “the extraordinary craft, people, and processes behind a material we all think we know.”
Among the other new features is a new-look Innovation Gallery, which is designed to offer a curated showcase of the industry's most exciting packaging developments, complete with twice-daily guided tours highlighting the thinking behind the latest innovations in packaging.
Joining it is the Design Hub powered by packaging design platform, Pentawards. The hub works as a dedicated destination for brand and design professionals combining expert talks, curated content, and networking opportunities.
Pentawards' own exhibition also returns in an expanded format, showcasing 50 award-winning packaging designs alongside an exclusive networking reception.
A new Podcast Studio has also been added with the aim of bringing together some of the industry's leading voices for conversations exploring the commercial realities, creative challenges, and new thinking that is influencing packaging today.
Elsewhere, the Start-up Zone and Discovery Theatre provide visitors with early access to emerging businesses, disruptive technologies, and fresh ideas that could shape their next project or product launch.
Rounding up the new features is the Trail of Secrets, a mapped route of the show floor which highlights the latest innovations, exhibitors, and features included in the event. Those who complete the trail will receive a complimentary refreshment at The Inner Circle Bar.
Josh Brooks, divisional director for Packaging at Easyfairs, says: “Every new feature we've introduced this year has been designed around helping people solve real problems, discover new ideas, and make valuable connections that they can take back into their business.
"We've listened carefully to our community and looked at every stage of the visitor journey. Whether someone is searching for their next packaging innovation, navigating new regulations, looking for design inspiration, or meeting new suppliers, we want every hour they spend at London Packaging Week to deliver genuine value."
London Packaging Week 2026 will taking place at Excel London on September 16th and 17th, with free registry for the show open now and available to book online.
