The upcoming PPMA Show 2026 — taking place at the NEC in Birmingham from 22–24 September — will showcase the latest advances in industrial automation, smart software systems, high-speed robotics, and high-level manufacturing insights. Visitors can explore live demonstrations and industry guidance across four major key exhibitor highlights.

Interactive connected packaging solutions (Markem-Imaje, Stand C70)

Markem-Imaje is featuring its newly launched Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms, CoLOS 2D Activate and CoLOS 2D Engage, alongside its expert advisory services. Designed to help CPG and FMCG brands navigate compliance transitions like GS1 Sunrise 2027, the platform manages static and dynamic GS1 Digital Link QR codes throughout their complete lifecycle:

• CoLOS 2D Activate: controls digital asset management, URL destinations, scan metrics, and enterprise system data integration post-printing.
• CoLOS 2D Engage: offers marketing teams a drag-and-drop tool to design mobile landing pages, contests, gamification, and location- or language-based contextual content.
• Consulting & lifecycle support: experts provide an on-site operational review and roadmap to evaluate equipment and data readiness. The platform also syncs ERP, CRM, and packaging vision inspection data to meet regulatory standards like the European Digital Product Passport (DPP).

Live precision pick-and-place robotics (Tekpak Automation, Stand G74)

Tekpak Automation will present a working demo of its TD3/R Series 3-axis pick-and-place robotic cell. Engineered to fit tight spaces and cleanroom environments, the compact cell loads or stacks items into trays, cases, cartons, thermoformers, or flow-wrapper infeeds. Key operational features include:

• High accuracy & tracking: positional accuracy of +/- 0.1mm using integrated vision control tracking.
• Flexible changeovers: quick-change grippers and tool-less setup accommodate multiple product formats.
• Automate UK Awards Nominations: Tekpak is shortlisted in three categories at the Automate UK Awards 2026 for its transdermal patch installation: Innovative Packaging Machinery, Innovative Robotics/Automation Solution, and Innovative Vision Solution.

Integrated plant management and AI tools (Nulogy, Stand A92)

Nulogy is showcasing its single-operating-system strategy for plant management, combining production insight, maintenance, and compliance tools within one platform:

• Nulogy Smart Factory: delivers real-time visibility into production metrics, equipment status, and workforce allocation.
• Nulogy Maintenance: a new addition linking live production performance directly to maintenance activities based on machine usage and condition.
• Nora (AI Assistant): an integrated plain-English AI tool that answers user queries instantly using live operational data.
• Nulogy Quality & Compliance: Centralises supplier documentation, simplifies audit preparation, and provides real-time evidence capture and traceability.

Keynote insight on purpose, performance, and profit

In addition to live exhibitor demonstrations, attendees can attend a keynote address by Jeremy Schwartz, co-creator of Coke Zero and former CEO of Pandora, The Body Shop, and L’Oreal. Speaking on day two of the show, Schwartz’s session, Purpose, Performance and Profit, will focus on driving sustainable commercial growth through R&D, product innovation, dynamic manufacturing, and developing workforce talent.