With dozens of top brands confirming their attendance among an expected 7,000 visitors, and over 400 exhibitors showcasing the brightest and the best the packaging industry has to offer, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2024 is proving to be the hottest ticket in town

With the final preparations and countdown to the UK's flagship packaging exhibition well and truly underway, organisers Easyfairs believe that all things point to February's Packaging Innovations & Empack being its most successful yet.

The two-day packaging showpiece is set to get underway on February 21 & 22, and Easyfairs indicates that the largest annual event in the UK will likely grow in size and scale once again. A bumper crowd of over 7,000 visitors is expected, with dozens of representatives from top brands filing past a capacity of 400 of the world's biggest suppliers, who will be waiting to showcase the latest innovations on offer.

Exhibitor places are sold out ahead of another blockbuster show, with exhibitors preparing to network with brands such as Aldi, Asda, Britvic, Boots, Cadburys, Costa Coffee, Diageo, DHL, Heinz, Holland & Barrett, Hovis, Iceland, KFC, M&S, Molson Coors, Nestle, Oh Polly, Sainsbury's, Sky, Superdrug, TATA, Tesco, Unilever, and Waitrose.

The big-name brands turn out to explore the diverse array of suppliers offering a comprehensive range of packaging products and services, spanning from design to cutting-edge primary and secondary packaging, contract packing, e-commerce fulfilment, labelling and printing, and advanced packing and processing technology.

Insights from across the world of packaging

But what else can visitors expect to see at Packaging Innovations or London Packaging Week? Well, they're not just your typical tradeshows. In addition to the impressive showcase of exhibitors, there is an inspiring line-up of speakers across two days and three dedicated event stages – the Innovation & Design Stage, the Supply Chain & Manufacturing Stage, and the Circular Economy stage.

With over 30 free-to-attend sessions, panels, interviews and more, the conference programme promises to aid registered visitors with their packaging objectives through educational content and pioneering solutions from various industries, markets, and professionals.

Speakers include the leading voice on innovation and creative thinking Ben Edmonds, who spent twelve-and-a-half years at the cutting edge of new product innovation as Principal Engineer at Dyson. He’ll deliver his unique session titled 'Innovation & the Power of YET: Releasing your full potential' on the Innovation & Design Stage.

Meanwhile, Julien Tremblin, general manager of TerraCycle Europe, a global leader in repurposing non-recyclable post-consumer and post-industrial waste, will deliver his 45-minute keynote called ‘Sustainable Packaging: Solutions for right now and the future’ on the Circular Economy Stage.

These conference theatres will also play host to engaging, lively debates that seek to unpick the key questions of today’s industry. One such panel takes place on the second day of the show, and sees Zoi Roupakia, Research Associate at the Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, moderate a Women in Manufacturing panel on the Supply Chain Stage. The panellists are Emma Verkaik, CEO of the BCMPA, Jo Stephenson, Managing Director of Print & Packaging B2B marketing specialists PHD Marketing, Nicola Peacock, Senior Relationship Manager at The Printing Charity, and Nicola Jones, Manager, Steel Packaging Recycling, at TATA Steel, making for what should be an eye-opening discussion.

"Engaging presentations by industry professionals on three distinct stages will provide attendees with unparalleled insights into the sterling work that goes on right across the packaging supply chain,” said Naomi Stewart, Marketing Manager at Easyfairs.

"Not only will it spark creativity in the packaging sector for 2024 and beyond, Packaging Innovations & Empack comprehensively addresses every facet of the packaging journey, uniting a range of experts from diverse industries,” she continued. “So, if you're looking for an opportunity to network, discuss the latest developments, or grow your business, showcase your products and cultivate high-quality leads, look no further than Packaging Innovations & Empack 2024."

Inspiring the future

One thing you can always count on in the packaging industry is that things move quickly. The future is always just over the horizon. That’s why the Future Trailblazer showcase has quickly become a highlight of the Packaging Innovations programme.

This special event honours individuals driving creativity in their respective categories, making it a must-see for attendees who like to keep one eye on the future. Meanwhile, the Packaging Showcase celebrates those pioneering innovations, giving visitors a glimpse of the future – and the chance to network with the bright young talent who will make it happen.

“There’s no better way to learn about the future than by learning from those who will go on to shape it. This event will be a must-see for anyone wishing to get ahead of the curve in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing market,” added Naomi.

The essential annual event promises to catalyse business opportunities, drive innovation across the whole packaging journey, and dig into the topics that matter most across its packed event schedule.

With demand set to soar as we move to within a month of the opening day, potential visitors are urged to register their attendance today.