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Packaging Innovations reportedly received an ‘unprecedented’ surge in attendee registration following the holiday period
Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025, hosted by Easyfairs UK at the NEC Birmingham, is taking place on February 12th and 13th.
The annual event will feature over 450 exhibitors showcasing their latest packaging solutions as well as more than 70 expert speakers across three stages, including talks from representatives of Google and McKinsey Design.
A series of dedicated zones will spotlight key growth areas within packaging including a Food Service zone, Label & Print zone, and a Smart Packaging zone.
Sustainability is a key focus for both the show and the packaging industry as a whole, particularly with new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws coming into place across the UK. Many exhibitors and speakers will make this a key focus, offering solutions and guidance on the laws and what they mean for packaging.
With the clock ticking down to the launch of the event next week, we highlighted just a few of the exhibitors and speakers to look out for.
The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) will use the trade show as the platform for the public launch of its new initiative, PackUK.
The PackUK administrator scheme, which has been rolled out across the UK, is designed to help the UK packaging sector with implementation of Defra’s new EPR laws.
PackUK will set fees for waste management, collect the fees from businesses, and distribute them to local authorities to help pay for waste management. PackUK will also be in charge of running public campaigns to educate consumers about packaging waste.
The public launch of PackUK at Packaging Innovations will include two key panel sessions, addressing the strategic and practical dimensions of EPR implementation.
The first session, taking place on February 12th, will be hosted by Sebastian Munden, chair of PackUK and the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
The session, which will include representatives from each UK nation, will offer valuable insights into the collaborative efforts required to implement EPR effectively across the UK.
A second panel on February 13th will be chaired by Labour MP and minister for nature at Defra, Mary Creagh CBE. The session will explore stakeholder aspirations for EPR and the role of cross-sector collaboration in its success.
Speaking of the PackUk launch at the event, James Montero-MacColl, senior marketing manager at Easyfairs UK, says: “Defra's decision to launch PackUK at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 underlines the importance of this event as the key gathering for the UK packaging industry.
“With such high-calibre speakers and comprehensive discussions on the agenda, this is a unique opportunity for attendees to gain actionable insights and a clear understanding of how to adapt to these landmark regulatory changes.”
Highcon Systems, an international manufacturer of digital die-cutting and creasing systems for folding carton and corrugated packaging, will present a range of solutions at Stand V86.
Visitors to Highcon’s stand will be able to see real customer jobs produced using Highcon’s machines, with specialists from the company on hand to offer insights into the practical applications of the company’s portfolio.
Solutions showcased at the event will include the Highcon Beam 3, which is designed for folding cartons and micro-flutes. The Highcon Beam 2C for corrugated packaging and display, which was recently upgraded with a 15% faster running speed, will also be on display.
Both systems are designed to eliminate the need for conventional dies, thereby reducing production costs and accelerate turnaround times.
A range of samples will also be available, demonstrating the scope of applications possible on the machines.
Durham Box, the UK’s first adopter of the Highcon Beam 2C, will also be showcasing some of the unique capabilities offered by laser cutting solutions.
Speaking of the Beam 2C solution, Dan Morris, managing director of Durham Box, says: "The Highcon Beam 2C has significantly advanced our capabilities. It enables us to deliver innovative solutions, high quality solutions with speed and precision, addressing the dynamic needs of today’s top-tier brands.”
European packaging company, Coveris, will also make the UK’s EPR rules a focus of its offerings at the Birmingham packaging show, presenting a range of sustainable packaging solutions.
Coveris will showcase its latest sustainable paper, plastic, and hybrid solutions on Stand M64 as part of its ‘No Waste’ sustainability goals, which pledge to achieve net-zero waste across the company’s global operations and product offerings.
Visitors will be able to explore Coveris’ portfolio of products, featuring lightweight designs that prioritise recyclability, use mono-material structures, and incorporate recycled content.
Product highlights will include Coveris’ MonoFlex range of lightweight paper alternatives including lids, trays, and a new range of wash-off labels designed for improved recyclability.
Coveris team members will also be on hand to advise on the latest EPR guidelines, working with visitors to review their packaging needs, assess EPR impact, and make more informed choices to minimise environmental impact and reduce financial liabilities.
Saica Flex, the flexible packaging division of Saica Group, will present a range of its sustainable packaging solutions at the event.
Among the products on display at Saica’s booth, located at Stand P40, will be its fibre-based Paperflex packaging range, which is designed to offer a paper-based alternative packaging solution for heat seal and cold seal filling processes.
The company aims to use the trade show to demonstrate how it incorporates post-consumer recycled (PCR) content into its offerings, as well as its progress in reducing the use of virgin plastic.
Among its sustainability goals, Saica Flex has committed to having ‘designed-for-recycling’ (DFR) versions of 100% of its products by 2025. DFR packaging is specifically engineered for the easier separation of material types for recycling, aiming to reduce waste and foster a circular economy.
Francisco Barrera, sales and marketing director at Saica Flex, says: “We are excited to return to Packaging Innovations & Empack, a key event where sustainability and innovation are at the forefront of the packaging industry.
“This is an essential platform for Saica to not only showcase our leadership in sustainable packaging but also drive meaningful conversations with industry leaders about shaping the future of the packaging sector.”
The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) will host an Industry Insight Hub at the packaging trade show, providing exhibitors and attendees with practical guidance and support on a range of industry topics.
Positioned at Stand W42, the hub will offer the opportunity for businesses to engage directly with specialists, gaining insights into areas such as health and safety, human resources, compliance, environmental regulations, and workforce development.
Experts will be on hand to deliver advice on pressing industry issues. This will include the latest environmental legislation such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) as well as the new EPR laws introduced by Defra.
Attendees will also have access to up-to-date information on new employment legislation, strategies for upskilling their workforce, and industry advocacy efforts aimed at shaping a supportive policy environment.
Meeka Walwyn-Lewis, head of marketing and operations at BPIF, says: “We’re excited to be leading this initiative at Packaging Innovations & Empack.
“As the industry continues to evolve, businesses face an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. Our goal is to provide the guidance and solutions they need to remain competitive, compliant, and forward-thinking.”
