Big-name brands to make waves at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025

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Packaging Innovations & Empack has always been a show about the future – but 2025 might be the first year it’s about a specific date: 2030.

As we enter 2025, we pass the psychological halfway mark of the decade. Minds naturally turn to 2030, with its looming environmental deadlines. The EU’s PPWR reform, for example, mandates all EU packaging to be recyclable by then. Businesses face growing pressure to find sustainable solutions as time runs short.

The need for personalised, efficient packaging will intensify, with AI moving from nice-to-have to essential. Each application’s unique needs mean there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and 2025 will spotlight this even more.

The best way to grasp 2025’s trends isn’t to read about them but to experience them. Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 returns to the Birmingham NEC on 12 & 13 February – and it’s your chance to immerse yourself in what’s next.

A unifying event for the packaging supply chain

With more than 430 exhibitors and over 7,000 attendees anticipated, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 is the ideal place for the entire packaging supply chain to connect. James Montero MacColl, Senior Marketing Manager at Easyfairs UK, emphasises the event’s importance: “With the pace of change in packaging, this event provides businesses with the tools and networks needed to keep up, especially with sustainability goals like 2030 looming large.” Attendees will find inspiration in emerging technologies and sustainable practices and have the chance to build meaningful connections across the industry.

Specialised zones for high-impact sectors

The 2025 event will spotlight specific growth areas in packaging with dedicated zones for key sectors:

  • Smart Packaging Zone: A glimpse into the future, this zone offers interactive packaging solutions such as NFC chips, RFID tags, and augmented reality (AR) that are revolutionising customer experiences and adding real-time tracking to products. This year introduces a dedicated space to spotlight innovative trends and showcase cutting-edge advancements in the industry.
  • Food Service Zone: Showcasing the latest in sustainable, recyclable food packaging, this area – developed in collaboration with the FPA – will feature innovations that enhance shelf life and improve eco-friendliness, addressing environmental and consumer demands alike.
  • Label & Print Zone: This space highlights advancements in labelling and flexible packaging, showcasing new technology and software that boost quality, sustainability, and efficiency—perfect for those keen on the evolving role of labelling in branding and compliance.
  • Contract Pack & Fulfilment Zone: Powered by BCMPA, this zone, the UK’s only event focused on outsourced packaging services, connects brand owners and retailers with co-packing and e-commerce fulfilment experts, essential for those relying on efficient, specialised packaging and delivery solutions.

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Media contact

Hannah Larvin
Editor, International Confectionery
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920
Email: [email protected]

About International Confectionery

International Confectionery is the leading authority in global confectionery content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the confectionery sector.

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