Invopak at ChemUK 2026

It was a packed couple of days for us at ChemUK last week. The show is a highlight of the chemical industry calendar, and this year didn't disappoint with a wide variety of talks, exhibitors and demonstrations. The UK's annual show for the chemical, process engineering and formulated products sector takes place at Birmingham's NEC. It's the perfect place to hear industry news, discover anything and everything chemical-related and catch up with customers and colleagues.

Getting the Invopak stand built ready for ChemUK 2026

Industry insights

Spanning 5 stages and 2 days, the comprehensive speaker programme is a big draw for many visitors. Stage 1 featured keynotes & industry spotlights, Stage 2 focused on sustainability, Stage 3 covered regulations, compliance & safety, Stage 4 examined process and chemical engineering and Stage 5 showcased innovation, R&D and scale-up. The plethora of speakers included MP Emma Hardy from Defra, Bill Atkinson, CEO at SIA, and Dr Doug Parker from the Henry Royce Institute; so there truly was a talk for everyone. 

Sustainability through innovation was a thread that ran throughout the show, and there were thought-provoking talks on PFAS, the bioeconomy, green chemistry and sustainable chemical science. The number of talks on these issues underlined how aware the industry is of the need to adapt to meet the challenge of environmental responsibility within the chemicals sector.

Talks by Industry experts are a vital element (pun intended!) of ChemUK 2026

There were also several well-attended regulatory talks, including ones on net zero, REACH, and even "reducing your regulatory burden", a nod to the amount of compliance that is necessary in the sector. Wednesday's Keynote speech was from Simon Marsh, from the CIA on, "The right policy for the chemical industry delivers the right resilience for the UK", and there were also plenty of discussions on PFAS regulations in the UK.

Science and innovation were at the forefront with technical talks by Dr Kelyy Board on "Oxone™ Monopersulfate Compound: The Next-Generation Oxidant for Low-Temperature Laundry Detergents" and the RSC Keynote speech from Dr Helen Pain, centred on "Chemistry: a catalyst for change."

Invopak at ChemUK 2026

Thanks to our light-up IBC and bright-yellow logo, you couldn't miss the Invopak stand! The Invopak team were out in force, and it was lovely to have an opportunity to chat to customers over coffee. Thanks to everyone who came along and said hello.

Nick, Scott and Beki at the close of ChemUK 2026