Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026: Innovation in every bite

The packaging industry is evolving at unprecedented speed, and Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 arrives at the moment the sector needs clarity, collaboration, and inspiration.

For food and beverage brands facing regulatory pressure, rising consumer expectations, and rapid innovation cycles, packaging has never mattered more.

As emerging technologies reshape what’s possible, the UK’s largest event serving the entire packaging journey is evolving alongside the industry.

Visitors can explore the show floor with brands including Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, M&S, Nestlé, Nando’s, Mondelez, TESCO, Diageo, and McDonald’s, discovering solutions from suppliers such as Salaet Food Packaging, Berlin Packaging, InterTAN, Sheard Packaging, i2r Packaging Solution, Sabert Colpac, MM Packaging, Coveris, and Huhtamaki.

Across two days, the event will bring together 7,400+ visitors, 450+ suppliers, 3,000+ brands, and 80+ speakers, creating a hub of insight, sourcing, and collaboration across the food and beverage packaging ecosystem.

A key focal point is the dedicated Foodservice Zone, where the food-to-go market’s most innovative solutions come to life. From sustainability and shelf-life optimisation to smarter disposal and recycling, it’s a space where ideas turn into action and opportunities become tangible.

Innovation drives every aspect of packaging, and with new products and start-ups launching at pace, standing out on crowded shelves and connecting with consumers at home is increasingly complex.

Highlights include Coveris’s recyclable MonoFlex Lite wicketted bags with gussets, flaps, resealable closures, and optional Freshlife technology; compostable liquid sachets from Futamura for condiments, sauces, and creams; and eGreen’s UK debut of VeriGreen Plus, a self-destructing bio-based cup with QR-enabled consumer education.

These solutions demonstrate how sustainability, performance, and recyclability are shaping the future of food and beverage packaging. As Helen McFarlane, McDonald’s, explains: “The show offers so much to see and learn, with diverse talks and valuable networking. It’s essential for staying updated on market trends, especially in sustainability, and provides a chance to connect with industry friends and explore new developments.”

Start-ups remain central to the event, with the Start-up Zone, Discovery Theatre, and Pitch the Co-Packers competition offering emerging innovators visibility and momentum.

Programmes such as Future Trailblazers, the Northern Design Festival partnership, the Expert Trail, and student pathways ensure the next generation of talent is supported and celebrated.

Enhancements for 2026 include a CPD-accredited Supply Chain Stage, guided Empack Tours, a dedicated Robotics and Automation Zone, and strengthened media and data partnerships. Collaborations with Smithers provide trusted product insight, while initiatives with WasteAid and Hubbub ensure progress is matched by meaningful social and environmental impact.

For food and beverage professionals, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, taking place on 11 & 12 February at Birmingham’s NEC, is more than a trade show – it is where ideas are tested, relationships are built, and the future of packaging takes shape, helping brands stay relevant, resilient, and ready for what comes next