Packaging Innovations and Empack is one of the UK's largest packaging shows. Held at the NEC, Birmingham, it's a chance for packaging people to convene, discuss and learn about all the latest developments in the industry. Here are some of the trends and highlights we saw at this year's show.
Legislation and the next phase of pEPR
Changes to packaging legislation and regulation show no sign of slowing down, and there was plenty of opportunity to engage with PackUK throughout the show. One of the most well-attended talks was by Esther Carter, Chief Strategy Officer at Pack UK. She discussed the evolution of pEPR, and the move to modulated fees.
The new traffic-light model means packaging will be graded red, amber, or green according to its recyclability. Specific fees and categories have yet to be finalised, but interestingly, the books will always need to be balanced. The idea is that red-packaging fees will subsidise the green, to drive improvement in packaging sustainability on a national scale.
Esther Carter, Chief Strategy Officer at Pack UK, discusses the evolution of pEPR
Innovation and Optimisation
Innovation has always been a key part of the show, and many exhibitors took the opportunity to showcase new products, technologies and machinery. There were also talks and presentations on everything from smart-packaging to sorting technologies.
Optimisation was a theme on many stands, whether that meant optimising time, space or materials. Empack's tagline, "the future of packaging technology", was fitting with working production lines and the latest robotics models, demonstrating just how far automation in packaging has advanced.
Being square was the shape of the show. The space-saving benefits of edge-to-edge packaging are more important than ever as businesses seek to minimise their shipping and storage costs.
An International Flavour
There was a noticeable increase in global businesses, underlining the multinational nature of today's brands and supply chains. UK suppliers were joined by firms from the full breadth of the EU, India and Asia, underlining the commercial value of the UK packaging market.
There were plenty of opportunities to talk packaging, including at "The Prince of Packaging" ale house!
Cosmetics and Consumables
Food and cosmetics packaging companies were well represented at the show. The food sector was dominated by engineered cardboard and plant-based polymers, whilst PET, glass and metal led the way in the cosmetics market.
The impact of online shopping was much in evidence, and visitors could peruse a wide variety of direct-to-consumer packaging. Some of the most innovative packaging designs had novel ways to optimise space, cost, weight or the environment.
The phase-out of polystyrene, bubble-wrap and other single-use packaging options is a really positive environmental move, only made possible by a transformation in the sector. Some of the products on display used air-cushioning, corrugation or fold-flat designs to protect against damage whilst also being sustainable.
Making Connections
One of the benefits of trade shows is the opportunity it brings to connect with suppliers and customers, old and new. Visitors were well catered for, with plenty of casual meeting areas, as well as a member's lounge, coffee shops, cocktail bars, and even a Packaging Pub, where attendees could wash down their discussions with a pint of ale.
