Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, 11 – 12 February, The NEC, Birmingham, will feature a host of new features focusing on breakthrough technologies and expert-led experiences designed to inspire, inform, and connect every stage of the supply chain.
What’s next for the packaging industry? Every year, businesses gather to keep their finger on the pulse of this fast-paced industry. Packaging Innovations & Empack continues to represent every stage of the packaging journey, from design to fulfilment, the 2026 edition introduces several new features and experiences designed to deliver even more value to attendees and exhibitors.
Material ConneXion’s curated showcase highlights the materials transforming the products of tomorrow. From breakthrough textiles and sustainable composites to advanced polymers, its interactive display demonstrates how smart material choices drive innovation.
Innovation often starts with mistakes – and the Museum of Failure turns missteps into lessons for the future. From Kodak’s digital camera to modern AI errors, visitors can explore decades of corporate misjudgements, uncovering recurring traps that can undermine even the best ideas.
Designed for those responsible for keeping production efficient, competitive, and moving, the Empack Machinery & Processing Tours cut through the noise of the show floor. Join a guided session that brings you directly to the machinery, automation, and processing solutions transforming packaging and production operations.
Start-ups, SMEs, and suppliers take centre stage at the Discovery Theatre, presenting breakthrough technologies such as AI and smart packaging. This platform sparks new thinking and offers a rare glimpse of what’s on the horizon, giving attendees inspiration for their own innovation strategies.
In partnership with the BCMPA, start-ups and challenger brands have the chance to pitch their ideas to industry experts in a fast-paced, Dragon’s Den-style contest. With networking, funding, and visibility on offer, the competition reveals innovation under pressure and highlights the collaborative spirit driving the packaging sector forward.
Across two days, the CPD-accredited programme delivers practical insights on automation, robotics, AI, compliance, and sustainability. Operations, engineering, and supply chain professionals gain immediately actionable strategies to improve packaging lines, efficiency, and operational resilience.
The Start-Up Zone shines a spotlight on emerging businesses, while the 1-2-1 Expert Trail connects attendees with specialists across policy, sustainability, and supply chain strategy.
Sheard Packaging’s Mobile Innovation Centre (MiC) brings design, testing, and problem-solving straight to the show floor. With a high-spec design studio, live sampling, onboard lab, and collaboration tools, MiC enables real-time innovation, faster decision-making, and smarter packaging solutions
Explore the latest robotics and automation innovations designed to streamline operations and boost efficiency. Visitors can see live demonstrations, experience the technologies in action, and gain insight into how these solutions are shaping the future of packaging.
The Future Trailblazers Awards, in partnership with IOM3, recognises rising stars driving innovation across packaging. Alongside, the Exhibitor Innovation Gallery highlights ten standout breakthroughs in design, materials, and functionality, providing inspiration for every visitor looking to stay ahead of the curve.
