Reflections on Packaging Innovations and Empack 2026 Lessons for a Sustainable Future

Last week, the Mad Packaging team attended Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 at the National Exhibition Centre. This event is a key moment in the UK packaging calendar, offering a chance to pause from daily project work and reconnect with the broader packaging community. While new products and materials always attract attention, this year’s most valuable takeaways came from conversations. Reconnecting with long-time industry partners, meeting new suppliers, and exploring emerging ideas helped shape a clearer picture of the future of sustainable packaging.

Reconnecting with the Industry

Trade shows often get judged by the products on display, but the real value lies in the conversations. Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 reminded us that collaboration drives progress in packaging. Meeting with converters, material suppliers, tooling experts, and brand teams gave us insight into how the market is adapting to current challenges.

Key topics discussed included:

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): The new regulations are pushing brands and suppliers to rethink packaging design and end-of-life management.

• Plastic Packaging Tax: This tax is influencing material choices and encouraging alternatives to traditional plastics.

• Material availability and cost volatility: Supply chain disruptions and fluctuating prices continue to affect packaging decisions.

• Retailer sustainability targets: Retailers are setting ambitious goals that require packaging to meet stricter environmental standards.

  
  

These conversations went beyond surface trends. They helped us understand real manufacturing limits and identify ways to simplify and improve packaging formats.

New Suppliers and Emerging Capabilities

Alongside familiar faces, we met several new suppliers entering or expanding in the UK market. Encouragingly, innovation is focusing on practical, scalable solutions rather than experimental materials that struggle to reach commercial use.

Some promising developments included:

• Improved fibre-based barrier technologies: These offer better protection for products while being easier to recycle than traditional plastic barriers.

• Lightweighting strategies: Suppliers are finding ways to reduce material use without compromising strength or durability.

• Enhanced mono-material formats: These simplify recycling by using a single type of material rather than complex mix of materials.

• Digital print and short-run customisation: New printing technologies allow brands to produce smaller batches with tailored designs, reducing waste and inventory.

Practical Lessons for Retailers and Packaging Suppliers

Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 highlighted several practical lessons for those involved in packaging design and supply:

• Focus on collaboration: Engage early with suppliers and converters to understand material options and regulatory impacts.

• Simplify packaging formats: Reducing layers and using mono-materials can improve recyclability and lower costs.

• Stay informed on regulations: Understanding EPR and plastic tax details helps avoid surprises and supports compliance.

• Explore digital print options: Short-run customization can reduce waste and support marketing flexibility.

• Test new materials carefully: Look for solutions that balance sustainability with performance and commercial viability.

Looking Ahead

Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 showed that the packaging industry is moving toward a more sustainable future through practical innovation and strong partnerships. The event reinforced that progress depends on open dialogue and shared goals between brands, suppliers, and converters.

Retailers and packaging suppliers should take these lessons to heart. By focusing on collaboration, simplifying packaging, and embracing new materials and technologies, the industry can meet regulatory demands and consumer expectations while reducing environmental impact.

The next step is to continue these conversations beyond the trade show floor. Building on the connections made at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 will help create packaging solutions that work better for businesses and the planet.