Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 is experiencing a surge in registrations, driven by a top-tier speaker lineup and growing industry demand for solutions to meet evolving regulatory challenges.
Organisers of Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 have reported an unprecedented surge in post-Christmas demand for complimentary visitor passes, as businesses across the packaging and supply chain sectors rush to secure access to the upcoming event. With registrations accelerating rapidly in the wake of the holiday season, interest has been further fuelled by the unveiling of the event’s most impressive speaker lineup to date, featuring high-profile figures from Google, McKinsey Design, WRAP, and other key industry leaders.
The overwhelming response reflects the growing urgency among businesses to stay ahead in a fast-evolving market increasingly shaped by regulatory pressures—particularly Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) and the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)—and rising consumer expectations.
Taking place on 12 & 13 February 2025 at the Birmingham NEC, the event is expected to attract over 7,000 attendees and host more than 450 key exhibitors, cementing its position as a must-attend gathering for those navigating the complex packaging landscape. This year’s focus will be on offering practical solutions to help businesses tackle critical regulatory changes, such as the continued rollout of pEPR in the UK and the PPWR reform, which requires all packaging to be recyclable by 2030. These changes are driving the need for rapid innovation, making the event an essential forum for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
James Montero MacColl, Senior Marketing Manager at Easyfairs UK, highlighted the dramatic increase in registrations, attributing the surge to heightened post-Christmas urgency and the strength of the newly announced conference programme. “Brands are facing unprecedented pressure to deliver more sustainable, efficient, and personalised packaging solutions,” he said. “This urgency is clearly reflected in the surge of interest we’ve seen, with registrations pouring in as businesses recognise the need to accelerate their sustainability efforts and gain insights into real-world solutions. Our diverse speaker lineup is undoubtedly a key driver of this excitement, offering unparalleled access to industry expertise and leadership.”
Further underscoring the event’s significance, a large delegation from Defra and representatives from all four national governments will participate in key sessions to discuss the future of packaging in the UK. Attendees will be able to hear directly from senior policymakers during a special panel discussion on Wednesday, 12 February, from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM, chaired by Sebastian Munden, Chair of WRAP. The discussion will explore how a unified UK approach can foster a fairer and more sustainable packaging system. Confirmed panellists include David McPhee, Deputy Director of the Circular Economy Division for the Scottish Government; Emma Bourne, Director of Resources and Waste at Defra; Rhodri Asby, Deputy Director for Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy for the Welsh Government, and Shane Doris, Director of the Environmental Resources Policy Division for Northern Ireland. This high-level dialogue is expected to provide crucial insights for businesses preparing for the rollout of pEPR regulations.
Continuing the theme of collaboration, Defra will return on Day 2 with another key session from 11:15 AM to 12:00 PM, featuring Paul Vanston, CEO, INCPEN; Talia Goldman, ESG Director at Colpac Ltd; Andrew Cassells, Waste Specialist, Strategic Investment Board (Northern Ireland); and Denise Mathieson, Head of Packaging Design and Delivery at Waitrose. This second panel will explore stakeholder aspirations for pEPR and how cross-sector collaboration is essential to its successful implementation. “The addition of this second Defra session underscores the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation across all parts of the value chain,” added Montero MacColl.
Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 will feature a dynamic conference programme with over 70 expert speakers across three key stages: Circular Economy, Supply Chain, and Innovation. Notable speakers include Miguel Arevalo (Google), Tey Bannerman (McKinsey Design), Lowelle Bryan (WRAP), Victoria Brownlie (British Beauty Council), Martin Kersh (Foodservice Packaging Association), Tom Stone (Bakkavor), and Mike Wilson (Manufacturing Technology Centre). The event will also showcase four specialised zones: the Smart Packaging Zone, with interactive technologies like NFC and RFID; the Food Service Zone, powered by the Foodservice Packaging Association, highlighting sustainable packaging solutions; the Label & Print Zone, focused on labelling and flexible packaging advancements, and the Contract Pack & Fulfilment Zone, powered by the BCMPA, offering critical support for co-packing and e-commerce fulfilment.
Summing up the importance of this year’s event, Montero MacColl noted that Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 arrives at a critical moment for the industry. “With rising demand and regulatory pressure driving businesses to act quickly, this year’s event is more than just a showcase of innovations—it’s a catalyst for real progress. We aim to provide an environment where companies can connect with the right people, discover new solutions, and leave with actionable strategies to take their operations to the next level.”
Given the overwhelming demand and record pace of registrations, organisers are urging interested visitors to secure their complimentary tickets by registering on the official website as soon as possible.
www.packaginginnovatios.com