The UK’s leading packaging event, Packaging Innovations, returns to Birmingham’s NEC on 24 & 25 February 2016, offering an array of product launches and new packaging solutions, plus a mass of first time and international exhibitors. 

The show is dedicated to bringing the UK packaging industry together to demonstrate the most advanced innovations, inspire new developments and look at the latest approaches. Plus, it also provides an opportunity for contract packers and manufacturers to promote their services at Contract Pack and new sustainability features at Ecopack.

Gerry Sherwood, Event Director for Easyfairs’ UK Packaging Portfolio, says: “The show plays a pivotal role within the UK’s packaging market, pioneering the latest innovations and looking into the future of branded and inspirational packaging. Recent reports showed that the packaging industry is currently worth $424 billion globally, of which Europe contributes $127 billion. It is therefore vital for a show like this to continue leading the way, ensuring we are producing the very best in order to stay competitive. I can’t wait to see what the 2016 show has to offer!” 

An array of leading European suppliers from territories such as the UK, Germany, Italy, Poland and France have been quick to sign up for the show, including Bericap UK, Curtis Packaging, DieterBakicEnterprises, Schur Star Systems, MPack, Bech Packaging, Lumson, Baralan International and ApplicEtains. 

The show also has a global reach, attracting major international exhibitors from USA, China, Canada and Hong Kong, including Bedford Industries, ErectaStep, RagBags, Nulogy, Zhejang B.I IMP and Hip Lei to name just a few.

As always, innovation is set to take centre stage, with numerous exhibitors using the show to present new products and solutions to key decision makers and senior packaging figures. For instance Fantastak will be launching its SuperRoller. It is thelatest development in industrial adhesive tape application, holding up to 75 metres of double sided adhesive tape. It features a cartridge form re-fill, which means no threading and faster tape changing.

Roisbros will be launching a new series of boxes for hot & cold food portions, salads and oily products called the Special Delivery series. Features include 6-corners, leak-proof and collapsible, making it more cost-effective in terms of transport and warehousing costs compared to conical boxes.

Beardow Adams will be showcasing its major new innovation, the BAMFutura 50’s range. It is the most technologically advanced adhesive in packaging, offering the broadest spectrum of hot and cold temperature resistance. It also has a low odour and is quick setting.

Glossop Cartons will be doubling the size of its stand for 2016, presenting its new personalisation service, which gives more control to the customer. 

Simply Cartons will be displaying the capabilities of its new press, which offers eight colours, giving more design options. It can produce spot varnishes with super tight registration and depth of colours, plus it can now print directly onto APET. 

Tinware Direct will be using Packaging Innovations 2016 to announce the arrival of its Pressitin Mini, the self-sealing tamper proof gift tin, which is perfect for filling (and refilling) with dry products.  

Evolve Pack will be discussing its new contract packing machinery, including its automated cartoning machine, a multi bagger and its upgraded flow wrapping machine.  

Digital printing specialist i-Sub Digital will be exhibiting its end-to-end packaging prototype workflow, with innovative Mimaki printing equipment. The Mimaki UJF6042 A2-format UV printer offers photo-quality, direct-to-substrate printing on a wide range of media and objects up to 150mm thick.

For those in the food industry, Waddington Europe will be showcasing Hydrozorb (H-PET), its new packaging material with altered characteristics. It is perfectly designed to reduce surface tension and capture condensation in pre-packed produce, such as mushrooms, offering improved shelf-life over standard r-PET. 

Packaging Innovations incorporating Contract Pack and Ecopack is also co-located with Empack and Label&Print covering the whole packaging spectrum. New for 2016 will be an array of show features, including The Great Innovation Debate, The Innovation Showcase and The Rising Star Scheme. Plus, show favourites including the Drinks Symposium, The Pharmaceutical Symposium, The Retail Symposium and The BIG Print Debate will all be returning. There will also be a full Learnshop programme, which will address the hot industry trends and critical issues.