Education and learning are hallmarks of Packaging Innovations events, with 2025 set to be a particularly useful event for all those with a thirst for knowledge.

To paraphrase Immanuel Kant, the 18th Century German philosopher and Enlightenment thinker, “All knowledge begins with the senses, proceeds to understanding, and ends with reason.”

In essence, knowledge is more than seeing, it’s a journey of deep thinking.

While Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 will tangibly realise the sentiment that seeing is believing, through the 400-plus exhibitors showing off their latest and greatest innovations, the thinking element of attending should not be overlooked. This is particularly true of 2025, given the legislation and updated regulations that the packaging industry must understand, comprehend and act on.

Education and learning are hallmarks of Packaging Innovations exhibitions and sister show London Packaging Week. At each event, a who’s who of renowned speakers address the most pressing topics of today and tomorrow across an industry-defining conference programme that has been thoughtfully curated.

2025 will be no different, with the likes of Google and McKinsey & Company presenting alongside big-name brand owners such as Kellanova and Reckitt. From designing a plastic-free future and the potential/limitations of fibre-based packaging, to regulatory updates and technology trends set to define the future of packaging, these discussions are sure to engage and inform attendees.

These speakers are interwoven with those from leading industry bodies and associations, such as the British Beauty Council, BCMPA, Confederation of Paper Industries, Foodservice Packaging Association, LARAC, Make UK and WRAP. Each of these brings a high degree of understanding of the marketplace and perspective on the current operating environment for packaging and manufacturing companies.

For example, reuse as the future of packaging will be the central thrust of the Foodservice Packaging Association’s presence. LARAC represents local authorities on recycling, waste and resource management and is to lead a discussion on circular models across the UK. As the voice of the contract packing, manufacturing, logistics and fulfilment sectors, BCMPA will explore how outsourcing for fulfilment can be a game-changer for both established brands and those looking to scale quickly. Make UK comes to the NEC ready to discuss why UK manufacturers need a coherent industrial strategy, now.

You can find the current speaker programme here.

Meet, learn, grow
As well as taking the opportunity to present on important topics, key industry bodies and knowledge partners are exhibiting alongside the machinery suppliers and packaging manufacturers who will call Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 home for two days in February next year.

BPF – the British Plastics Federation – (A64) is the UK’s leading plastics trade association. With over 600 members from across the whole supply chain, including raw material manufacturers and suppliers, plastics processors, equipment manufacturers, recyclers and service providers, the industry body represents over 80% of the UK plastics industry by turnover. BPF resources include: a Carbon Footprint Tool, to help the UK plastics industry measure its corporate emission footprint; the Eco-Design Zone, for everything needed to create sustainable plastic products; Packscore, a free, quick and simple sustainable design tool; Recycling Locator, to confirm what can be recycled where; and PolymerJobs, a job board for the UK plastics industry.

OPRL (B74) is a not-for-profit organisation created to help consumers recycle more. It supports brands and retailers, as well as packaging manufacturers and suppliers, with expertise and guidance on recyclability so to determine the correct recycling label for packaging. OPRL offers a labelling tool that gives the ability to generate the correct labels as print-ready artwork and a new recyclability assessment tool confirms the recyclability of packaging and provides actionable advice for improvement.

A number of exhibiting companies offer consultancy services and compliance schemes directly linked to the environment and sustainability. Many of these put information at the fingertips of packaging companies, allowing them to make informed decisions and plan for a sustainable and circular future.

Ecosurety (F46) is a compliance scheme committed to accelerating change towards a sustainable world. It works to ensure members comply with the UK’s packaging regulations. The business has dedicated itself to improving recycling and facilitating the shift from single-use to reusable packaging. This is achieved by driving innovation on the ground, directly supporting new initiatives and instigating impactful cross-industry collaboration.

Similarly, Beyondly Global (C74) is an environmental compliance scheme and consultancy, which focuses on sharing knowledge with businesses to help them become more confident about their environmental choices – from meeting compliance obligations, excelling in managing environmental data, and achieving sustainability expectations. Beyondly’s service offering includes packaging EPR compliance, WEEE compliance, carbon management and life cycle assessments, and more.

CarbonQuote (B70) aims to empower businesses and their supply chains to take positive action for the planet. Working across the value chain – from procurement organisations and logistics to producers of raw materials and manufacturers of products – CarbonQuota’s online platform allows businesses to baseline and build de-carbonisation plans using data from the ground-up, providing very precise and scientific calculations.

Aura Consultants (B72) is a packaging sustainability consultancy, committed to making a measurable difference every day. Its team of packaging sustainability experts combine consultancy and technology to deliver pioneering, sustainable packaging solutions. The company’s e-halo technology platform drives real-time decision-making using live accurate data to manage compliance and ensure alignment with global packaging legislation, while reducing impact on the environment.

CPI (C64) is an independent technology innovation centre and a founding member of the UK Government’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, itself a strategic research and innovation hub for industry to help commercialise the UK’s most advanced manufacturing ideas. CPI aims to accelerate the development, scale-up and commercialisation of smart AgriFoodTech, energy storage, HealthTech, materials, and pharma innovations.

These examples highlight how Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 is the perfect event for those with a thirst for knowledge and need to learn about, as well as see, the tools and techniques available that will define the industry’s future.

Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 takes place 12 & 13 February next year at the NEC in Birmingham, UK.

The event is free to attend and registration is now open.